IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


I^i2.8 

^  ^  III 

I!:  U£ 


2.5 


1.4 


I 


2.2 
12.0 

m 

1.6 


V] 


vQ 


% 


'/ 


s 


Photographir. 

Sciences 
Corporation 


33  Wr.  7  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


%/fi 


<<3 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


to 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  [mages  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 
D 
D 
D 
D 
D 
D 
D 
D 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagde 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur^e  et/ou  pellicul6e 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  g^ographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relid  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  Mure  serr6e  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intdrieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutdes 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  dtait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  filmdes. 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  ia  m^thode  normale  de  fiimage 
sont  indiqu^s  ci-dessous. 


I      I    Coloured  pages/ 


0 

D 
0 
D 
D 


D 


Pages  de  couleur 


□    Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

□    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pelliculies 


Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  ddcolordes,  tachet^es  ou  piqu6es 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ddtach^es 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Qualitd  in^gale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/^ 
Comprend  du  materiel  suppldmen'taire 


I      I    Only  edition  available/ 


Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuiliet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6x6  filmdes  &  nouveau  de  fapon  6 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


Th 
po 
of 
fill 


Or 
be 
th 
8i( 
ot 
fir 
8i< 
or 


Th 
ah 
Til 
wf 

Mi 
dif 
en 
bei 

rig 
rec 
mfl 


D 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl^mentaires: 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmd  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqu6  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

J 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  hare  has  baan  raproducad  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

Library  Division 

Provincial  Archives  of  British  Columbia 


L'axamplaira  film*  fut  raproduit  grAce  A  la 
ginArosit*  da: 

Library  Division 

Provincial  Archives  of  British  Columbiii 


Tha  imagas  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
poasibia  considaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacifications. 


Las  imagas  suivantas  ont  AtA  raproduites  avac  la 
plus  grand  soin,  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattatA  da  l'axamplaira  filmA,  at  an 
conformity  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmaga. 


Original  copias  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couvarture  an 
papier  est  imprimAe  sont  filmAs  en  commenpant 
par  la  premier  plat  at  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
derniAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autras  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmAs  en  commen^ant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  at  en  terminant  par 
la  derniAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  ^^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED "I,  or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END  "), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaftra  sur  la 
derniAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN  ". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
filmAs  A  des  taux  da  reduction  diffArents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clichA,  il  est  filmA  A  partir 
de  Tangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d"imagas  nAcessaira.  Les  diagrammas  suivants 
illustrent  la  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

8 

6 

■^ 


SMrmsoNiAX  institution bireai;  of  ethnology 

J.  W.  POWELL,  DIRECTOR 


A  COLLECTION 


OP 


GESTURE-SIGNS 


AND    SIGNALS 


OF   THK 


NORTH  AMERICAN  INDIANS 


WITH 


SOME  COMPARISONS 


BY 


a^RRICK    MAT.LERY 

liREVETLlJ-mT.  COL.  AND  FOBMEBLT  ACTING  VJJIEF  HIQNAL  OFPIVEB,  V.  8   AHMY 


DISTEIBUTED  ONLY  TO  COLLABOKATOKS 


WASHINGTON 

aOVKBNMENT    PRINTING    OPPIOE 
1880 


A  COLLECTION  OF  CESTURESIGNS  OF  THE  NORTH  AMERK^AN 

INDIANS. 


I  >r  T  R  CJ  D  XJ  C  X  O  It  Y      L  K  T  T  K  R  . 


Smithsonian  Institution, 
Bureau  of  IOtiinolooy, 

Washiiif/ton,  I).  C,  Julif  31,  1880. 
To  the  Collaborators  with  the  Bureau  of  Ethnology  in  the  Study  of 
Sign  Language  : 
Gentlemen : 

This  i)iii>er  contains  the  descriptions  of  the  g-esture-signs  of  the  North  American 
Indians  wiiicli  at  the  above  date  have  been  obtained  by  tliis  Bnrean.  It  will  not  be 
used  for  publication  in  its  present  shape,  and  will  be  distributed  only  to  those  corre- 
spondents who  have  contributed  to  its  contents,  and  to  others  whose  expected  co-ojjcra- 
tion,  the  results  of  which  are  not  yet  received,  is  relied  upon  to  add  value  to  the  final 
work.  Xo  discussion  is  now  introduced.  The  descriptions  alone,  in  a  tentative  ari-anjue- 
nient,  are  i)resented  for  the  purpose  of  the  verification  of  observations,  for  verl)al 
corrections  of  every  kind,  and  for  the  study  of  all  collaborators,  as  well  as  that  of  the 
editor,  to  secure  accurate  classification  and  comparison.  Oidy  such  notes  of  resemblance 
or  discordance  between  several  of  the  Indian  sijiiis,  and  between  some  of  them  and 
those  of  deaf  mutes,  foreign  tribes  of  nien,  and  ideofjraphic  characters,  are  now  printed 
as  have  already  been  attached  to  the  same  signs  in  the  comi»ilation  fin-  ineliminary 
treatises  alrea<ly  ]»roduced.  It  is  c(nivenient  to  retain  those  in  the  same  connection. 
Many  others  of  the  same  kind,  remaining  in  MS.  memoran<la,  are  omitted,  because 
their  insenion  will  be  more  correctly  nmde  after  the  ]»roi)er  arrangement  has  been 
accomplished.  Any  such,  occurring  to  (!ollaborators,  will,  it  is  lio|»ed,  be  suggested 
by  them  in  the  margin  of  the  present  paper  where  they  may  seem  to  be  most  ap])ro- 
priate. 

The  i)rin)ary  object  of  this  i)ai)er  is  that  every  contributor  to  it  nniy  be  enabled 
to  revise  his  own  contribution,  which  for  the  present  is  divided  and  arranged  accord- 
ing to  a  scheme  of  linguistic  families  and  subordinate  languages  or  tribes,  as  set  forth 
in  the  List  of  Authorities  and  Collahorators,  which  also  serves  as  an  index  to 


1821';4 


the  VocAlU'l.AUY.  It  is  supposed  tliat  tliis  iinaiineineiit  will  jjiove  tlie  best  to  study 
the  diversities  and  ii^reeiiieiits  of  siyiis.  For  that  iiniiortaiit  object  it  is  more  eon- 
veiiient  that  the  iiaiiies  of  the  tribe  or  tribes  aiiiony;  whieli  the  sijiiis  described  have 
been  ()bserv<'d  sliouhl  catch  the  eye  in  iinmediate  connection  with  the  sij-ns,  tliaii  that 
those  of  tlie  observers  only  shoidd  follow.  Some  of  the  latter,  indeed,  having  }>iven 
both  similar  and  ditt'eriiif,'  sijiiis  for  more  than  one  tribe,  the  use  of  the  contributor's 
iiaiiu'  alone  would  create  confusion.  To  print  in  every  case  the  name  of  the  contributor, 
and  also  tlie  name  of  the  tribe,  wcmld  sericmsly  burden  the  jtaper  and  be  unnecessary 
to  tlie  student,  the  reference  beinj;'  readily  made  to  each  authority  throut-h  the  index. 

No  contribution  has  been  in-inted  which  asserted  that  any  described  si<in  is  used  by 
"all  Indians,"  for  the  reason  that  such  statement  is  not  admissible  evidence  unless  the 
authority  had  personally  examined  "all  Indians."  If  any  credible  correspondent  had 
atrirniatively  stated  that  a  certain  identical,  or  substantially  identical,  aigu  had  been 
f(uind  by  him,  actually  used  by  Abenaki,  Absaroka,  Arikara,  Assiniboins,  etc.,  jioinjj;' 
throuji's  the  whole  list  of  tribes,  or  any  definite  i)ortion  of  that  list,  it  would  have  been 
so  inserted  under  the  several  tribal  heads.  Uut  the  expression  "all  Indians,"  besides 
being-  insusceptible  of  methodical  classification,  involves  hearsay,  which  is  not  the  kind 
of  authority  desiicd  in  a  serious  study.  Such  loose  talk  long  delayed  the  recognition 
of  anthropology  as  a  science.  It  is  true  that  mmw  general  statements  of  this  cluuacter 
are  made  by  some  old  authors  now  cpioted,  but  their  descriptions  are  reprinted,  as 
being  all  that  can  be  used  of  the  past,  for  whatever  weight  they  nuiy  have,  and  they 
are  kei)t  separate  from  the  linguistic  dassitication. 

Contributors  will  observe  that  there  has  been  no  attempt  to  change  their  phrase- 
ology even  when  it  seenunt  to  be  defective.  Besides  the  ordinary  errors  of  the  press, 
and  those  that  may  have  crept  into  the  copy  by  mistakes  in  reading  or  transcribing 
the  written  descriptions,  some  of  the  contributors  will  prot)ably  share  the  connnon 
experience  of  surprise  at  the  extent  to  which  details  of  expression  and  i)unctuation, 
when  in  the  severe  clearness  of  print,  have  altered  the  sliade  of  meaning  as  intended 
to  be  conveyed  in  their  IMS.  The  wide  margins  and  calendered  i)aper  will  readily 
allow  even  of  reconiposition  of  sentences  when  desirable.  For  this  purpose,  as  well  as 
several  orhers,  this  ])aper  will  be  regarded  by  each  correspondent  as  sim])]y  a  proof- 
sheet  sent  directly  to  himself  from  the  printer,  and  it  will  of  course  be  understood  that 
a  corres]>ondent  who  may  make  any  kind  of  correction  or  note  upon  this  paper  will 
return  it  by  mail  (as  book  proof),  so  annotated,  to  the  uiulersigned,  thereby  sa\ing 
correspondence  and  securing  accuracy.  It  is  indeed  recpiested  that  all  copies  shall  be 
returned  whether  annotated  or  not,  in  order  to  i)reveiit  a  professedly  iini)erfeet  edition 
from  falling  into  improi)er  hands.  It  is  much  regretted  that  the  illustrations  and  dia- 
gramnuitic  aids  to  the  descriptions,  furnished  by  most  of  the  contributors,  cannot  be 
reproduced  in  this  pa|)er,  so  that  their  a(H;uracy  also  might  be  determined,  but  the 
cost  of  such  illustrations  cannot  be  incurred  at  this  time  and  for  this  purjjose.  The 
"Outlines  for  Arm  Tositions"  and  "Types  of  Hand  Positions"  were  i>rovided  for  from 
the  approi)riation  for  this  liureau,  but  its  amount  does  not  admit  of  such  an  under- 
taking as  lunv  in  (|uestion.  In  this  connection  it  may  be  mentioned  that  the  descrip- 
tions frecpiently  refer  to  illustrations  furnished  by  the  contributors  or  to  the  "  Out- 
liues"  and  "  Types,"  and  these  references  are  retained  in  print.  As  all  the  contributors 
remember  their  owu  illustrations,  etc..  the  references  will  be  intelligible  to  themselves, 


tliou}-!!  uiifoitniiat<','y  not  always  to  otliers  who  iiiijrlit  wisli  to  (•oiiii)are  tlieiii  with  their 

ilhistratioii«. 

Tiic  asiH'itiiiniiitnt  of  the  coiic('i)tioii.s  or  oiiKiu  of  tlie  several  si^-iis,  eiiiltod.viiiK' 

as  they  do,  many  HO(5i(»h>j>i(!,  niytholojiic,  and  other  I'thiiofiraphie  ideas,  is  of  sjiecial  ini- 
jtortance.  When  tho>e  obtained  throujili  collaborators  arc  printed  in  the  VocAnri.AUV 
before  the  anthority,  they  are  to  be  nnderstood  to  inive  been  gathered  Iroin  an  Indian 
asbeiii}'  his  own  cone  'jition.  When  ])rinted  after  the  anthority  and  within  (jinttation 
marks,  they  are  in  the  words  of  the  collab«)rator  as  offered  by  himself.  When  i)iinted 
after  the  authority  an  I  withont  quotation  nnirUs,  they  are  suj-j^cstc^l  at  tiiis  llnrcau. 
All  should  be  eqiudly  criticised  and  sni»i)lemented,  and  any  error  in  iirintinj;-  the 
autlun'ity  for  the  conceptions  corrected.  It  has  sometimes  been  impossible  to  decide 
whether  the  correspo  ident  intended  to  yive  them  as  his  (»wn  or  as  from  an  Indian. 
The  importancee  of  an  IndianVs  conception  is  so  much  greater  than  any  otiier  that  the 
fact  should  be  made  clear. 

Tlu'  marjiins  will  also  allow  of  additions  to  all  contributions,  whether  from  inter- 
veuiUfj:  independent  lesearch  or  as  sujjfgested  by  any  jtart  of  the  material  collected. 
Thi^  work  beiii};;'  on  the  co-oi)erative  principle,  it  is  not  su|)posed  that  jealousies  or 
questions  of  inecedence  will  arise,  and  each  contribntcu'  will  \h\  credited  with  the  amount 
of  capital  advanced  for  the  common  stock.  It  is  hij^hly  desirable  that  the  signs  as 
described  by  each  should  be  compared  by  him  with  those  of  others,  and  notes  of  (coin- 
cidence or  discrepan(!y  made.  JVrhajJS,  in  some  instances,  the  signs  as  described  by 
one  of  the  other  contributors  nniy  be  recognized  as  intended  for  the  same  sign  for  the 
same  idea  or  object  as  that  of  the  correspondent,  and  the  fornu'r  may  i)rove  to  be  the 
better  description.  The  ]>ersonal  habitude  of  some  individual  in  any  tribe,  and  still 
more  frecinently  the  usage  or  ''fashion"  of  different  tribes,  may,  by  a  peculiar  abbre- 
viation or  fanciful  tiourish,  have  induced  a  ditterentiation  in  description  witii  no  real 
distinction  either  in  conce])tion  or  essential  formation.  All  collaborators  will  there- 
fore be  candid  in  admitting,  should  such  cases  occur,  that  their  own  descriptions  are 
mere  unessential  variants  from  others  printed,  otherwise  adhere  to  their  own  and 
explain  the  true  distinction.  When  the  descriptions  show  substantial  identity,  they 
will  in  the  final  i)ublication  be  united,  with  a  combined  reference  to  all  the  authorities 
giving  them,  as  they  are  in  some  cases  of  those  taken  at  Washington  in  the  present 

VOCABULAKY. 

It  will  i)robably  be  also  noticed  that  a  sign  described  will  have  the  same  actually 
substantive  fornmtion  as  some  other  in  the  Vocabulary  which  is  stated  to  be  with  a 
siguitication  so  markedly  distinguished  as  to  be  insusceptible  of  classification  as  a 
synonym.  It  will  then  be  importajit  for  ea(;h  contributor  of  the  rival  signs  to  refresh 
his  memory  as  to  accuracy  of  desCiMption  or  significance,  or  both,  and  to  annoumte  his 
decision.  No  error  is  necessarily  involved.  It  will  be  vei\v  rennukable  if  i>reciscly 
the  same  sign  does  not  prove  to  be  used  by  different  jtersons  or  bodies  of  peo|)le  with 
wholly  distinct  significations,  the  graphic  forms  for  objects  and  ideas  being  mucli  more 
likely  to  be  coincident  than  sound  is  for  similar  expressions,  yet  in  all  oral  languages 
the  same  precise  souiul  is  used  for  utterly  diverse  meanings.  The  first  conce])ti(»n  of 
many  objects  nuist  be  the  same.    1 1  lias  been  found,  indeed,  that  the  homophony  (;;  words 


and  the  homomorphy  of  ideographic  pictures  is  noticeable  in  oi)posite  significations, 
the  conceptions  arising  from  the  opposition  itself.  The  differentiation  in  portraiture  or 
accent  is  a  subsequent  and  remedial  step  taken  only  after  the  confusion  has  been 


obsoi'ved.  Sucli  coiit'iisioii  mid  contradiction  would  only  l)c  cliniiniitcd  it  the  sif^ii  Ian 
pnii;,M>  \vci'(^  iilisolntcly  perfect  as  well  as  ahsolntely  universal.  Cast  ii'Mi  iritlexibility 
un<i  adamantine  endurance  are  certainly  not  found  in  any  otlier  mode  of  liiiman  utter- 
ance. It  will  l»e  an  almoiinity  in  the  |>rocesses  of  initure,  if  .sijjns  do  not  have  their 
hiitlis  an<l  deaths,  their  struji^iles  for  existence  with  survival  of  the  fittest,  as  well  as 
words,  animals,  and  plants.  For  our  purjtose  tlu'  in(piiry  is  not  what  a  sijiu  niij;ht, 
could,  would,  or  sluudd  he,  or  what  is  the  best  sij,'M  for  a  pai'ti(Milar  nu'aninj;,  but  what 
is  any  si^-n  actually  used  for  such  meaning'.  If  any  one  si;;n  is  honestly  invented  (»r 
adopted  by  any  one  man,  whether  Imlian,  African,  Asiatic,  or  deaf-mute,  it  has  its 
valu«'.  Its  prevalence  and  special  rauji,^*!  present  considerationsof  different  and  {;Teater 
interest  and  re(iuiriujf  further  evidence. 

The  editor  takes  occasion  to  declare  that — for  tlu^  {^ood  reason  that  his  real  study 
only  now  commences  with  the  comi)letion  of  the  i)resent  jtaper  which  renders  it  i)racti- 
cable — he  does  not  hold  with  tenacity  any  theory  whatever,  and  particMdarly  one  which 
woidd  deny  that  the  Indian  sij^ns  come  from  acommon  stock.  On  the  contrary,  it 
would  be  hifjldy  interestinj;  to  ascertain  that  the  sijius  of  thi.s  continent  had  a  jicneric 
distinctiveness  compared  witii  those  of  other  parts  of  tht;  world.  Such  research  would 
be  similar  to  that  into  the  Aryan  and  Semitic  sources  to  which  certain  modern  laiifiinif^es 
have  been  tra<'ed  backwards  from  existinji'  varieties,  and  if  there  apjx'ar  to  b<^  existinj? 
vaiieties  in  siyns  their  roots  may  still  be  found  to  W  siii  jiciicris.  It  is,  however,  pos- 
sible that  the  (liscrei)ancy  between  si}>ns  was  formerly  fiieater  than  at  i)resent.  There 
is  some  evidence  that  where  a  si<>n  lanj^uaye  is  now  t'oiind  amony'  Indian  tribes  it  has 
become  more  uiiitbrm  tiian  ever  before,  sinijdy  because  ina:iy  tribes  have  been  t'orsome- 
tinu'  i)ast  forced  to  dwell  near  toj;ether  at  pea<,'e.  Tiie  us«>  of  sijiiis,  thouj^h  maintained 
by  linf;uistic  diversities,  is  not  coincident  with  any  liufjuistic  bou:idaru,'s.  Tiie  tend- 
ency is  to  their  i  '.ity  aiiu)n<>'  jiroujis  of  ])eople  who  from  any  cause  are  bronjiht 
into  contact  with  e.  .ither  while  siill  s]teakin{j'  ditt'erent  lan};ua{;es.  The  lonycr  and 
closer  such  contact,  whih'  no  common  toufjue  is  ado]>ted,  the  <j;reater  will  be  the  uni- 
formity of  si{>ns.  A  collection  was  obtained  last  si)rinK'  at  Washinji'ton  from  a  united 
dele/iation  of  the  Kaiowa,  Comanche,  Ai)ache,  and  AVichita  tribes,  which  was  nearly 
uniform,  but  the  individuals  who  gave  the  si<>iis  had  Jlctually  lived  toffcther  at  or  near 
Anadarko,  Indian  Territory,  for  a  considerable  time,  and  tho  resultinj"'  uniformity  of 
their  sijiiis  mi}iht  either  be  considered  as  a  jaryon  or  as  the  natural  tendency  to  a  com- 
promise for  mutual  understandinji' — the  unitication  so  often  observed  in  oral  speech, 
coniiuf''  under  many  circumstances  out  of  former  differentiation.  It  may  be  found  that 
other  individinils  of  those  same  tribes  who  liave  from  any  cause  not  lived  in  the  union 
explained  may  have  si}>iis  for  the  same  ideas  different  from  those  in  the  collection  above 
mentioned  ;  but  this  supposition  should  be  disregarded,  except  to  incite  further  iinpiiry, 
until  such  intpiiry  should  collect  specitic  facts  to  snpi)ort  the  hypothesis.  The  whole 
of  this  controversy  may  be  dis])osed  of  by  insisting  upon  an  objective  instead  of  a  sub- 
jective observation  and  study.  Our  duty  is  to  collect  the  facts  as  they  are,  and  so  soon 
as  ])ossible,  as  evei'y  year  will  add  to  the  confusion  and  difliculty.  After  the  facts  are 
established  the  theories  will  take  care  of  themselves,  and  their  final  enunciation  will 
be  in  the  hands  of  men  more  eoni])etent  than  any  of  us,  jH'rhaps  than  any  persons 
now  living. 

A  warning  seems  necessary  since  the  publication  of  an  article  in  the  number  of 
"  United  Service"  for  July,  1880,  in  which  the  author  takes  the  ground  that  the  descrip- 


5 


tioii  of  si^-iis  should  lie  iiiadr  iicconliii;:  toil  "incinr"  or  avcriijjc.  Tht'ic  ciiii  he  no 
pliilosopliic  fonsidt'iiitioii  of  si;;ii.s  iiccoitliii};-  to  a  ••  mean  "  of  oltsi'ivations.  Tlui 
linal  ol»i»M't  is  to  ascntain  tlic  ra(li<'al  or  essential  part  as  distinct  from  any  individual 
tionrisli  or  mannerism  on  the  one  hand,  and  trom  a  <'onventional  or  aeciilental  abbre- 
viation on  the  other;  imt  a  mere  averajic  will  not  aecomplisli  this  objeet.  if  the  hand, 
bein^j  in  anv  position  \vhat<'\er,  is.  aeeoidin;;'  to  live  observations,  moved  ln»ri/ou- 
tall.v  one  foot  to  the  ri^-ht,  and,  aeeoidin;^  to  five  other  observations,  moved  oni^  foot 
hoiizontall.v  to  the  left,  the  "mean"  or  resultant  will  he  that  it  is  stationary,  wlii<'Ii  is 
not  in  any  way  eorrespondiiifj  with  any  of  the  ten  observations.  Ho  if  six  observa- 
tions f,Mve  it  a  rajiid  motion  of  one  foot  to  the  rijiiit  and  live  a  rapiil  motion  of  the 
same  distance  to  the  left,  the  mean  or  resultant  would  be  somewhat  ditlieiilt  to  express, 
but  jierliaps  would  be  a  slow  movement  t(»  the  rij;lit  (or  an  inch  or  two.  having; 
certainly  no  resemblance  either  in  essentials  or  accidents  to  any  of  the  sij;iis  ac^liially 
observed.  In  like  manner  the  tail  of  the  written  letter  "//"'  (which,  it';;ardinn-  its  mere 
tormation,  niij:lit  be  a  ;;raphic  si;;n)  may  have,  in  the  ehirof^raphy  of  several  persons, 
various  de^iiees  of  slant,  may  be  a  straij;ht  line  <n-  looped,  and  may  be  curved  on  either 
•  side  ;  but  a  "  mean  "  taken  from  several  maniiseripts  would  leave  the  nnfortiinatc  letter 
without  any  tail  whatever,  or  travestied  as  a  "  »'' with  an  ainori)lioiis  tloiirish.  A 
definition  of  the  radical  form  of  the  letter  or  sijiii  by  which  it  can  be  distin;j:uislied 
from  any  other  letter  or  sij^ii  is  a  very  dilVei'cnt  proceedin;;.  Therefore,  if  a  "mean" 
or  resultant  of  any  number  of  radically  dillereiit  sij;iis  to  express  the  same  oitject  or 
idea,  observed  either  amon}>' several  individuals  of  the  same  tribe  or  amonji  ditferent 
tribes,  is  made  to  re|)reseiit  those  sij-ns,  they  are  all  mutilated  or  ij;iiored  as  distinetivo 
siffiis,  tlioufili  the  result  may  jiossibly  be  made  intelli}jible  in  practice,  accordiiifj  to 
iniiuaph's  mentioned  in  tlic^  "  Introdm-tion  to  the  Study  of  Sij;ii  Laii<;iiafje"  of  the  present 
writer;  and  still  another  view  may  be  added,  that  because  a  sound  of  broken  Kiifilish 
may  be  understood  by  an  intellij,'ent  Englishman  it  is  no  proof  of  that  s(Uind  beiiiji'  an 
English  word  or  a  wend  of  any  lan};iia<ie.  The  adoption  of  a  "  mean"  may  be  practi- 
cally useful  in  the  formation  of  a  mere  interjireter's  jarjion.  thoiifjh  no  one  (!an  use  it 
but  himself  or  those  who  memori/e  it  from  him,  but  it  elucidates  no  principle.  It  is 
also  i)raeti(!ally  convenient  for  any  one  deteriniiu'd  to  arj;ue  lor  the  uniformity  and 
universality  of  sijin-lan}iiiii;i(^  as  against  the  variety  apparent  in  all  the  realms  of 
nature.  On  the  "mean"  princii»le,  he  only  needs  to  take  his  two-foot  rule  and  arith- 
metical tables  and  make  all  sif^iis  his  si;;ns  and  his  sijiiis  all  si^^ns.  Of  course  they  are 
uniform,  because  he  has  made  them  so  after  the  brutal  example  of  Trocrustes. 

In  this  connection  it  is  ])roper  to  urf^e  another  varniii};,  that  a  mere  sifjii-talker  is 
often  a  bad  authority  upon  princii)les  and  theories.  He  may  not  be  liable  to  the  satir- 
ical compliment  of  Dickens's  "  brave  courier,"  who  "understood  all  lanjj:iiaf;es  inditt'er- 
ently  ill";  but  many  men  sjieak  some  one  lanjiua^e  tinciitly,  and  yet  art^  wholly  nnablo 
to  explain  or  analyze  its  words  and  forms  so  as  to  teach  any  one  else,  or  even  to  {jfive 
an  intelli<>ent  summary  or  classification  of  their  own  kiiowledjic.  What  such  a  sijjn- 
talker  has  learned  is  by  memorizing;',  as  a  child  may  learn  lOiiKlish,  and  thoufjh  both 
the  sif>n-talker  and  the  child  may  be  able  to  j-ive  some  sejiarate  items  useful  to  a  phi- 
lolof>-ist  or  f'orei}>iier,  such  items  are  spoiled  when  cohu'cd  by  the  attemi)tof  i^rnorance 
to  theorize.  A  (Jerman  who  has  studied  ICn^lish  to  thoroiijih  mastery,  except  in  the 
mere  facility  of  speech,  may  in  a  discussion  upon  some  of  its  i»riiiciples  be  contradicted 
by  any  mere  English  speaker,  who  in.sists  upon  his  superior  knowledge  becan.se  he 
actually  speaks  the  language  and  his  anta<>onist  does  not,  but  the  student  will  probably 


be  collect  iiml  tin-  lalkci' wroiij;.     It  is  an  old  ailii;;c  about  tiral  spt li  tliat  a  man  who 

uiiilci'stainls  l)iit   one   lanyiia^^c   iindcrstaiKls  immic.     Tlic  science  of  a  siyn-talUer  pos- 
se.sned  l»y  a  restrictive  tlieorv  is  like  tiiat  of  .Miral)eaii.  wlio  was  ^-renter  as  an  orator 
tliaii   as  a  pliiloloyist,  and  wiio  on  a  \  isit   to   Kn;;Iand  ;;ravely  ar^^iied   tliat   tlierewas 
soinctliiii;;' seriously  wroii;;'  in  tlic  IJritisli   mindiiecanse  the  people  would  insist  upctn 
sayiiifj  '';;ive  ine  some  bread  "  instead  of  •' doniie/ nioi  dn  ])ain,"  which  was  so  much 
oasier  and  more   natural.      A  desi^iiiedly  ludicrous  instance  to   the   same  etVect  was 
Hood's  ariiii};nineiit  of  tlie  I'lt'iu-h   because  tlie\   called  their  mothers  "mares"  and 
their  daughters  "  lillies.''     Not  bindinj;  ourselves  to  theories,  we  should  take  with  cau- 
tion any  Htatement  from  a  person  who,  havin;;  memorized  or  liashed  up  any  number 
of  sifiiis,  lar;{e  {>v  small,  has  decidi'd  in  his  conceit  that  those  he  uses  are  the  only 
j;(!nuine  simon-pure,  to  be  exclusively  employed  accordiii};  to  his  direction,  all  others 
beiii};'  counterfeits  or  blunders.     His  vocabulary  has  ceased  to  {jive  tlio  sinus  of  any 
Indian  or  body  of  Indians  whatever,  but  becomes  the  vocabulary  of  Dr.  Jones  or  Fiieii- 
tenant  Smith,  the  jtroprietorshipof  which  he  li{>'hts  for  as  did  the  orij;inal  Dr.  Townseiid 
for  his  patent  medicine.     When  a  si;;n  is  contributed  by  one  of  the  present   c(tllabora- 
tors,  which  such  a  sifintalker  has  not  before  .seen  or  heard  <h,  he  will  at  once  condemn  ' 
it  as  l)ad,  just  as  a  I'liited   States   Minister  to  ^■iellna,  who  had   been   nursed  in  the 
nionjfrel  Dutch  of  Uerks  County,  I'eiinsylvaiiia,  declared  that  the  people  of  (Jermany 
s]»()ke   v«'ry  bad  (lermaii.     The   exiterieiice  of  the  pn'.seiit  editor  is  that  the  original 
authorities,  or  the  best  evidence,  for  Indian  signs — /.  e.,  the    Indians  themselves — 
beiufj   still   accessible,  the   collaborators   in   this   work   should    not    l)e   content  with 
secondary  authority.      White  sij'n-talkers   and  interpi'eters  may  give  some   {icnuine 
sifjns,  but  they  are  very  ai)t  to  interpolate  their  own  iuventious  and  deducti(uis.     l}y 
gatlierint;'  the  "•eniiine  signs  alone  we  will  be  of  use  to  .scholars,  and  give  our  own  -stud- 
ies proper  direction,  while  the  true  article  presented  can  always  be  adulterated  into  a 
composite  jargon  by  tlio.se  whose  ambition  is  only  to  be  .sign-talkers  instead  of  making 
an  hone.st  contribution  to  ethnologic;  and  philologic  .science.    The  few  direct  contri- 
butions of  interpreters  to  the  present  work  are,  it  is  believed,  valuable,  because  they 
were  made  without  expression  of  .self«'onceit  or  symptom  of  jtossession  by  a  pet  theory. 
So  far  as  only  concerns  the  able  gentlemen  who  have  favored  this  Jiureau  with 
their  contributions  there  is  no  need  to  continue  the.se  remarks.     SutHce  it  to  repeat 
with  more  emphasis,  that  their  criticisms  and  suggestions  are  invited  as  to  all  matter 
herein  contained,  even  to  the  details  of  grou])ing  aud  title-words  in  the  alphabetic 
arrangement,  synonyms,  aud  cross  references.     lu  the  pi'e.sent  private  and  tentative 
work  many  hundreds  of  .separate  slips  of  i)ai)ei  are  for  the  tirst  time  connected  together, 
thereby  rendering  perfecit  order  unexpected.     It  may  be  mentioned  that  some  of  the 
title-words  and  phrases  which  have  a  (piaint  appearance  are  those  used  by  the  older 
printed  authorities,  for  which  it  is  not  always  safe  to  supply  a  synonym,  and  the  signs 
of  those  same  authorities  being  the  most  curtly  aiul  obscurely  described  of  all  iu  the 
colle(!tion,  there  is  no  alternative  but  to  i)rint  them  as  they  stand  for  such  use  as  may 
be  ]>ossible,  which  will  chieHy  l»c  in  their  bearing  upon  thecpu'stionsof  iiersi.steucy  and 
universality.    The  present  edition  will  allow  the  verbal  expressions  of  the  living  and 
accessible  to  be  revi.sed  ami  to  be  compared  with,  thus  i)erhaps  to  correct  the  imper- 
fections of  descriptions  made  by  the  dead  and  inaccessible;  but  the  language  of  the 
latter  (jaiiuot  now  be  changfcd.    The  arrangement  of  the  Vocahilauy  is  more  to 
group  the  concepts  than  the  English  title-words  according  to  the  syiionyms  of  that 
language.     A  further  step  in  the  study  will  be  to  [irepare  a  synoptic  arrangement  of 


M 


i 


.1 


tlic  .si;.'ii.s  tlu'iiisi'lvos — tliut  is,  (tf  iiiotioiis  iiinl  iiDsifioiis  of  tlic  saiiK'  cliHractcr  iii»iirt 
ridin  tlifir  iiiilix  idiiiil  si;;iiili.iiiict'  in  iiiiv  oral  N|it'fcli. 

'I'iii'  iicarl.N  tiiaiiks  of  this  Itiiicaii  arc  irii<lcr«'«l  to  all  its  collahoiators,  and  will  in 
fiitiirt'  !)('  itrcsciitod  in  a  niannrr  nioic  woitliy  of  tlicni.  It  icniains  to  jiivo  to  tlicni  an 
explanation  of  tlic  mode  in  wliicli  a  laryc  collccition  of  si;;ns  lias  hern  math'  in  Wasli- 
iii^iton.  Kortnnati'l.v  for  this  nndcitaUin;-,  the  policy  of  the  j;ov»'rnnu'iit  has  l»ii>nj,dit 
hciv,  dnrin;f  the  last  winter  and  spiin;;,  delectations,  sometimes  quite  lai-fje,  of  most  of 
tlu-  imi»ortaiit  tribes.  Thus  the  most  intellijicnt  of  the  race  from  the  most  distant  and 
farthest  separatetl  localities  were  here  in  considt'ialile  niindters  foi  weeks,  and  indeed, 
in  sonn^  cases,  months,  and,  to^fther  with  their  interpreters  and  agents,  were,  by  the 
considerate  order  of  the  honorable  Setavtary  of  the  Interior,  jdaced  at  tiie  disposal  of 
this  r>uieau  for  all  puri;;tses  of  ^atherinj;  ethnol<»«ic  informaticai.  The  facilities  thus 
obtained  were  much  j;rcater  than  could  have  been  «'njoyed  by  a  lar^ci  number  of  observ- 
ers traveling  for  a  lonj;  time  over  tlic  continent  for  the  same  express  |uirpose.  Tho 
observations  relatiii;;'  to  siyns  were  all  made  here  by  the  same  persons,  aecordin;;'  to  a 
uniform  method,  in  which  the  gestures  were  obtained  diicctly  from  the  Indians,  ami 
their  meaninji  (often  in  iisell  d.  ar  from  the  context  of  siyns  before  known)  was  trans- 
lated sometimes  through  the  met,  am  of  ICnglish  or  Spanish,  or  an  abori;;iiial  lanyua;j;e 
known  in  cunimon  by  some  on--  pr  ni(ue  of  the  Indians  and  i)y  s(»me  (»ne  of  the  observ- 
ers. When  an  interiucter  was  em|)loyed,  he  tianslated  the  words  used  by  an  Indian, 
and  was  imt  relied  upon  to  explain  the  siyiis  u(Tordiii}i'  to  his  own  ideas.  Such  transla- 
ti<ms  ami  a  dest-ription  of  minute  and  rajjidly-execaited  sij^ns,  dictated  at  the  moment 
of  their  exhibition,  were  sometimes  taken  down  by  a  phonojirapher,  that  there  mij'ht 
be  no  lapse  of  memory  in  any  i>articular,  and  in  many  eases  the  sijtns  were  nuule  iii 
successive  motions  belbre  the  eaiiu'ra,  and  prints  secured  as  certain  Evidence  of  their 
accuracy.  Xot  only  were  mon^  than  one  handled  Indians  thus  examined  individually, 
at  leisure,  but,  on  ((ccasions,  several  of  dili'eient  tril)es,  who  had  never  before  met  each 
other,  were  examined  at  the  same  time,  both  by  impiiry  of  individuals  whose  answers 
were  consulted  upon  by  all  the  Indians  present,  and  also  by  indiiciiif,^  .several  of  the 
Indians  to  enyaj;e  in  talk  and  story  tellinji'  in  .si;;ns  between  themselves.  Thus  it  was 
possible  to  notice  the  dilference  in  the  sij;iis  made  for  the  same  ol)jects  and  the  deyree 
of  mutual  comprehension  notwithstandiny'  such  differences.  Similar  studies  were  made 
by  takiii}^-  the  Indians  to  the  National  Deaf  Mute  Colle^ic  and  bringing  them  in  contact 
with  the  pupils. 

IJy  far  the  greater  pa  it  of  the  actual  work  of  the  observation  and  reeoid  of  the 
signs  obtained  at  Washington  has  been  ably  performed  by  Dr.  W.  ,J.  Iloi'i'.UAX,  the 
assistant  of  the  |)resent  editor.  Dr.  Hoffman  ac(iuired  in  the  West,  through  his  service 
as  acting  assistant  surgeon,  Cnited  States  Army,  at  a  large  reservation,  the  indispen- 
sable advantage  of  becoming'  ac(|uainted  with  the  Indian  character  so  as  to  conduct 
such  researches  as  that  in  (piestion,  and  in  additit)n  has  the  eye  and  pencil  of  an  artist, 
so  that  he  catches  readily,  describes  with  physiological  accuracy,  and  reproduces  in 
action  and  in  permanent  illustration  all  .shades  of  gesture  exhibited.  It  is  therefore 
believed  that  the  collection  made  here  will  be  valuable  for  comparison  with  and  to 
supplement  those  obtained  during  the  same  months  in  the  lield. 

1  remain,  with  renewed  otlicial  and  personal  thanks  and  much  regard, 


Sincerely  your  friend, 


(lAHKICK  MALLEKA' 


Ill-  ,Mim 


8 
NOTE  SPECIALLY  ADDKKSSED  TO  COKRESI'ON DENTS  IN  FOREIGN  COUNTRIES. 

The  i)res«'iit  |)ai)('r  is  a  f'lirtluT  sn|»  in  tlu'  jivin'ial  iiiie  ot  rosjMich  iiidioatcd  in  the 
" Intnuliiction  to  the  Stn-.v  of  Sifjn  Iian<;iia};e  aniony;  tiie  Xortii  American  Indiana," 
&e.,  in  whicli  the  stnd.v  of  these  sij^ns  was  sn};f>este(l  as  inijtortant  to  illnstrate  the  }>e8t- 
urespeeeli  of  mankind.  Its  contents  may  be  nsefnl  to  collaborators  in  all  parts  of  the 
world,  both  to  facilitate  descrij»ti(Hi  by  annotated  reference  and  in  sii;,'<4estion  as  rejjjanls 
modes  of  observation.  It  may  also  {jive  assurance  of  thoronjih  and  ]minstakin^°  work 
at  this  Hnrean  for  the  final  collation,  in  the  form  of  a  vocabulary,  of  all  authentic  sif>ns, 
ancient  and  modern,  found  in  any  part  of  the  world,  with  their  description,  as  also  that 
of  associated  facial  exi)ression,  set  forth  in  lanjiuage  so  clear  that,  with  the  assistance 
of  cojtious  illusrrations,  they  can  be  reproduced  by  the  reader.  The  success  of  this 
undertaking  will  depend  ui>oii  the  collaboration,  now  and  before  requested,  of  many 
person.-,  of  several  classes.  The  i)reseiit  jtajter  .shows  that  arrangements  have  already 
been  made  i»robably  sullicient  to  }U'ocure  all  the  gesture-signs  of  the  aboriginal  tribes 
of  this  country  wiiich  can  still  be  roscued  from  oblivion.  The  conventional  signs  of 
deaf-mutes  in  institutions  for  tlu'ir  instruction  are  accessible  to  the  ]>resent  writer,  who 
also  has  obtained  a  large  number  of  tli  •  natural  signs  of  deaf-nuites  invented  by  them 
before  systematic  instruction,  and  used  in  intercourse  with  their  families  and  friends. 
More  of  these  would,  however,  ho  gladly  received.  Further  assistance  is  urgently 
sought  from  i)Iiilologists,  travelers,  and  missionaries,  who.se  attention  has  been  directed 
to  the  several  modes  of  expre.ssing  huiiuin  thought. 

The  efforts  at  intercoinnninicatio]i  of  all  savage  and  barbaric  tribes,  when  brought 
into  contact  with  other  bodies  of  men  not  speaking  an  oral  language  connnon  to  both, 
and  especially  when  uncivilized  inhabitants  of  the  same  territory  are  sei)arated  by 
many  linguistic  divisions,  should  in  theory  resemble  the  devices  of  the  North  American 
Indians.  They  are  not  shown  by  i)ublished  works  to  ju'evail  in  the  Kastern  hemisphere 
to  the  sanu'  extent  and  in  the  same  manner  as  in  North,  and  also,  as  believed  from 
less  complete  ob.servation,  in  South  America.  It  is,  however,  jtrobable  that  thej' 
exist  in  many  localities,  tlumgh  not  rejtorted,  ami  also  that  some  of  them  survive  after 
l)artial  or  even  high  civilization  has  been  attanied,  ami  after  changed  environment  has 
rendered  their  systematic  employment  unnecessary.  Such  signs  may  be,  first,  uncon- 
nected with  existing  oral  language,  and  used  in  place  of  it;  second,  may  be  used  to 
exi)laiii  or  accentuate  the  words  of  ordinary  sjjeech,  or  amy  consist  of  gestures,  emo- 
tional or  not,  which  are  only  noticed  in  oratory  or  impassioned  conversation,  such 
being,  possibly,  survivals  of  a  former  gesture-language. 

-Ml  classes  of  gestures  may  be  examined  philologically  to  trace  their  ])ossible  con- 
nection with  the  radicals  of  language,  syllabaries,  and  ideogra])hic  characters.  Evi- 
dence has  accumulated  to  show  that  the  language  of  signs  preceded  in  importance  that 
of  sounds,  the  latter  remaining  rudinu'ntary  long  after  gesture  had  become  an  art. 
The  early  connection  between  them  was  so  intimate  that  gestures,  in  the  wide  sense  of 
presenting  ideas  under  i)livsi(;al  foiins,  liada  formative  effect  upon  many  words,  thus  show- 
ing that  language  originated  partly,  at  least,  from  the  sounds  which  naturally  accompany 
certain  gestures.  It  se^'ms  certain  that  the  latter  exhibit  the  earliest  coiulition  of  the 
human  miiul,  and  that  nminly  through  them  was  significance  comnuuiicated  to  speech. 

Even  if  the  nu)re  material  and  substantive  relations  between  signs  and  language 
cannot  now  be  ascertained,  we  may  at  least  expect,  from  the  incpiiries  suggested,  liii- 


gnistic  results  in  tlic  aimloijry  between  tlieir  several  (leveloi)nients.  The  mental  i)ro- 
cesses  are  nearly  the  same  in  both  eases,  and  :he  i)sy(!li()l<)gy  of  lan};iiaji(^  nniy  be 
studied  in  the  older  and  lower  means  of  commnnicaticm  as  tlie  i)hysical  and  mental 
organization  of  man  has  been  profitably  eomi»ared  with  that  of  the  lower  animals. 
The  examination  of  si{>ns  and  of  picture-writiri}?,  whieh  is  intimately  associated  with 
them,  throws  light  upon  the  grammatic  machinery  of  language,  the  syntactic  prin- 
ciple, and  the  genesis  of  the  sentence.  Not  until  a  large  body  of  facts  has  been  gath- 
ered by  several  classes  of  observers,  and  compared  by  comi)etent  scholars,  can  it  be 
possible  to  ascertain  with  jjrecision  the  princi|)les  of  the  i)rimitive  utterance  of  man- 
kind. An  exhaustive  treatment  of  the  subjecit  will  also  bring  to  light  religious,  socio- 
logic,  and  other  ethnologic  information  of  special  interest.  It  is  in  this  work  that  the 
IJureauof  Ethnology  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution  solicits  the  co-operation  of  learned 
men  and  observers  in  all  lands,  whose  contributions,  when  received,  will  always  be 
l)ublished  with  individual  credit  as  well  as  responsibility. 

G.  M. 


*        i 

ft 


■^ 


LIST  OF  AUTHORITIKS  AND  COLLABORATORS. 


1.  A  list  i)repare(l  by  William  Dunbar,  dated  Xatcliez,  June  30,  1800,  collected 
from  tribes  then  "  west  of  the  Mississippi,"  bnt  probably  not  from  those  very  far  west  of 
that  river,  published  in  the  Transactions  of  the  American  Philosophical  Society,  vol. 
vi,  as  read  January  10,  1801,  and  communicated  by  Thomas  Jefferson,  president  of  the 
society. 

2.  The  one  published  in  "An  Account  of  an  Expedition  from  Pittsburgh  to  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  performed  in  the  years  1810-1820.  By  order  of  tlie  Hon.  J.  C.Cal- 
houn, Secretary  of  War,  under  the  command  of  Maj.  S.  H.  LoNd,  of  the  Uuited  States 
Toiionraphical  Engineers."  Phihulelphia,  182;3.  ((Commonly  called  James'  Long's  Ex- 
pedition.) This  appears  to  have  been  collected  chiefly  by  Mr.  T.  Say,  from  the  Pani, 
and  the  Kansas,  Otos,  Missouris,  lowas,  Omahas,  and  other  southern  branches  of  the 
great  Dakota  family. 

3.  The  one  collected  by  Prince  Maximilian  von  Wied-NeuwiedIu  1832-'34.  His 
statement  is  "the  Arikaras,  Mandans,  ^Minnitarris  [Ilidatsa],  Crows  [Absaroka],  Chey- 
ennes,  Snakes  [Slioshoni],  and  Blackfect  [Satsika]  all  understand  certain  signs,  which, 
on  the  contrary,  as  we  are  told,  are  unintelligible  to  the  Dakotas,  Assiniboins,  OJibwas, 
Krihs  [Crees],  and  other  nations.  Tiie  list  gives  examples  of  the  sign  language  of  the 
former,"  From  the  nnich  greater  proportion  of  time  si)ent  and  information  obtained  by 
the  author  among  the  Mandans  and  Ilidatsa  then  and  now  dwelling  near  Fort  Berthold, 
on  the  Cpper  Missouri,  it  miglit  be  safe  to  consider  that  all  the  signs  in  his  list  were  in 
fa<!t  procured  from  those  tiiltes.  Hut  as  the  author  does  not  say  so,  he  is  not  nnide  to 
say  so  in  this  work.  If  it  shall  prove  tliat  the  signs  now  used  by  the  Mandans  and 
Hidatsa  more  closely  resemble  those  on  his  list  than  do  tliose  of  other  tribes,  tiie  inter- 
nal evidence  will  be  verified.  This  list  is  not  published  in  the  English  edition,  but 
api)eiirs  in  the  German,  Coblenz,  183!>,  and  in  the  Frencli,  Paris,  ^SIO.  I>ibliographic 
reference  is  often  nuide  to  this  distinguished  explorer  as  "  Prince  Maximilian,"  as  if 
there  were  but  one  possessor  of  that  christian  name  among  princely  families.  For 
brevity  the  reference  in  this  paper  will  be  "  U7C/7." 

No  translation  of  this  list  into  English  api)ears  to  Iiave  been  printed  in  any  shape 
before  that  recently  i)ublished  by  the  i)resent  editor  in  the  American  Anticpnirian,  vol. 
11,  No.  3,  while  the  (lerman  and  French  editicms  are  costly  and  ditlicult  of  access,  so 
the  collection  cannot  readily  be  compared  by  ol (servers  witli  the  signs  now  made  by 
the  same  tribes.    The  translation  now  presented  is  based  ui»on  the  Cerinan  original, 

11 


'  I 


M 


12 

but  in  a  few  cases  wliore  tlie  Iaii}>iiiiy(!  was  so  curt  as  not  to  give  a  clear  idea,  was  <!ol- 
lated  with  the  Frencli  edition  of  the  succeedinf>'  ye:>v,  '.vliich,  from  some  internal  evi- 
dence, ai»i)ears  to  have  been  imblislied  with  the  assistance  <n'  sniiervision  of  tiie  anthcn'. 
Many  of  the  descriptions  are,  iiowever,  so  brief  and  indefinite  in  botli  tlieir  (rennan  and 
French  forms  that  they  necessarily  remain  so  in  the  i>resent  translation.  The  princely 
explorer,  with  the  keen  discrimination  shown  in  all  his  work,  doubtless  observed  what 
has  escai)ed  many  recent  rejtorters  of  aborif^inal  sij>iis,  that  tiie  latter  depend  much 
nioie  u])on  motion  than  mere  position — and  are  j;enerally  larjic  and  free — seldom 
minute.  His  object  was  to  express  the  general  ett'ect  of  the  motion  rather  than  to 
describe  it  so  as  to  allow  of  its  ac^turate  rei»roduction  by  a  reader  who  had  never  seen 
it.  For  the  latter  jturpose,  now  very  desirable,  a  more  elaborate  description  would 
have  been  necessary,  and  even  that  would  not  in  all  cases  have  been  suHicient  without 
pictorial  illustration. 

On  account  of  the  manifest  importance  of  determining-  the  prevalence  ami  i>ersist- 
ence  of  the  sij;iis  as  observed  half  a  century  ago,  an  exception  is  made  to  the  general 
arrangement  hereafter  mentioned  by  introducing  after  the  Wietl  signs,  remarks  of  col- 
laborators who  have  made  special  (!omparisons,  and  adding  to  the  latter  the  respective 
names  of  those  collaborators — as  [M((ttlieics)-{Bot€lcr).  It  is  hoped  that  the  work  of 
these  gentlemen  will  be  imitated  not  only  regarding  the  Wietl  signs  but  many  others. 

4.  That  of  ('apt.  H.  F.  Uukton,  of  signs  whicii,  it  would  be  inferred,  were  colle(!ted 
in  I.S(i(>-'()l  i'rom  the  tribes  met  or  learned  of  l)y  him  on  the  overland  stage  route, 
including  Southern  Dakotas,  Utes,  Slioshoni,  Arapahos,  <  'rows,  Pani,  and  Apaches. 
This  is  contained  in  "The  City  of  the  Saints,"  New  York,  ISIil'. 

Information  is  recently  received  to  the  eftect  that  this  collection  was  not  made  by 
the  distinguished  Englisii  ex])lorer  from  his  personal  observation,  but  was  obtained  by 
him  from  one  man,  a  ^lormaii  bishoj),  who,  it  is  feared,  gave  his  own  ideas  of  the  usage 
of  signs  ratlier  than  their  simple  descri])ti()n. 

.">.  A  list  read  by  Dr.  1).  G.  M  AcaowAN,  at  a  meeting  of  the  American  Ethnological 
Society,  Jan.  2.},  lS(»(i,  aiul  published  in  the  "  Historical  Magazine,"  vol.  x,  LSGG,  p.  8G-87, 
puri»orting  to  be  the  signs  of  the  (Jaddos,  Wichitas,  and  Comanches. 

(5.  A  communication  from  IJrevet  Col.  IvICIIARD  1.  Dodoe,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Twenty-tliird  Infantry,  United  States  Army,  author  of  "  The  Plains  of  the  Great 
West  and  their  Inhabitants,"  «S:c.,  relating  to  his  large  experience  with  the  Indians  of 
the  prairies.  Colonel  Dodge,  now  on  active  duty,  has  been  requested  to  assign  his 
general  descriptions  to  the  tribe  or  tribes  in  which  the  signs  were  actually  observed  by 
him,  and  should  such  designation  arrive,  while  the  Vocaui'LAUV  is  passing  through  the 
press,  they  will  be  classified  accordingly.     lie  is  also  [»rei)aring  a  larger  contribution. 

N  ()  "1"  ICE. 

In  the  six  collections  above  mentioned  the  generality  of  the  statements  as  to 
locality  of  the  observation  and  use  of  the  signs,  rendered  it  impossible  to  arrange 
them  in  the  manner  explained  in  the  "  Introductory  Letter"  hereto.  They  will  therefore 
be  refeired  to  in  the  Vcm.'ahilakv  by  the  nanu's  of  the  authors  res|tonsible  for  them. 
•Those  whi(!li  now  follow  ai'e  arranged  alphabetically  by  tribes,  under  headings  of  Lin- 
guistic Families,  which  are  also  given  below  in  alphabetical  order.  Example:  The 
first  authority  is  under  the  heading  Aluonkiax,  and,  concerning  oidy  the  Arapaho 
tribe,  is  referred  to  as  {Aminiho  I),  Lieutenant  Lemlv  being  the  personal  authority. 


13 

Roforoncea  to  anotlior  title-word  as  exi)l!iiniiiff  a  part  of  a  flescrii)tioii  or  to  supply  any 
otlicr  portions  of  Ji  coiniyoniul  sign  will  always  be  understood  as  being  made  to  the 
description  by  the  same  authority  of  the  sign  under  the  other  title-word.  Example; 
In  the  sign  for  Advance  and  Retreat  (Mandan  am]  IlUhtxa  I)  the  reference  to 
Battle  is  to  that  sign  for  Battle  wliich  is  contributed  by  Dr.  Mattiikws,  and  is 
referred  to  under  that  title  as  {Mandan  and  Hidutm  1). 


ALGONKIAN. 

Arapaho  I.  A  contribution  from  Lieut.  H.  H.  Lemly,  Third  United  States  ArtiUery, 
compiled  from  notes  and  observations  taken  l>y  him  in  1877  among  the  Northern  Ara- 
pahos. 

Cheyenne  I.  A  list  prepared  in  .Inly,  l.S7!>,  by  Mr.  Kbank  H.  CrsHlNC,  of  the 
Smithsonian  Institution,  from  continiu'd  interviews  with  TitchkemAtski  (Cross  Eyes), 
an  intelligent  Cheyenne,  then  employed  at  that  Institution.  It  is  expected  that  Mr. 
Cushing  will  make  other  contributions,  esjK'cially  from  the  Zuni  and  other  Pueblos, 
among  whom  he  has  been  collecting  material  during  the  ])ast  year. 

Cheyenne  II.  A  s])ocial  contribution  witli  diagrams  from  3Ir.  1>EN  (Jlakic,  scout  and 
interpreter,  of  signs  collected  from  tlie  (.'heyennes  during  his  long  residence  among  that 
tribe. 

Ojibira  I.  The  small  collection  of  J.  (>.  Koiil,  iimde  about  the  middle  of  the  |)res- 
ent  century,  among  the  OJibwas  around  Lake  Superior.  Published  in  his  '"Kitchigami. 
Wanderings  around  Lake  Superior,"  London,  18(i(>. 

Ojibtca  11.  Notes  from  A'ery  Kev.  Edwakd  Jackkr,  Poiute  St.  Ignace,  Mich., 
respecting  the  Ojibwa. 

Ojibica  III.  A  communication  fnun  liev.  James  A.Gilfillan,  AVhite  Earth,  Minn., 
relating  to  signs  observed  aim)ng  the  Ojibwas  during  his  long  i»eriod  of  missionary  duty, 
still  continuing. 

Ojibwa  IV.  A  list  from  'SVv.  I).  ().  \Vii.lia:\is,  Sr.,  of  Owosso,  Mich.,  from  recollec- 
tion of  signs  observed  among  the  OJibwas  of  Michigan  sixty  years  ago. 

.S'rtc,  F(Ki\  and  h'iehipoo  I.  A  list  from  Kev.  H.  F.  Bi  ckneb,  D,  I).,  of  Eufanla,  lud. 
T.,  consisting  chieHj-  of  tribal  signs  observed  by  him  among  the  Sac  and  Fox,  Kicka- 
poos,  &.ii.,  during  the  early  part  of  tiie  year  1880. 


DAKOTAN. 


Ahsaroka  I.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  Deekixshis  (Pretty  Eagle),  Etshidi- 
KAHOTSiiKi  (Long  Elk),  and  Peuitsiiikadia  (Old  Crow),  members  of  a  delegation  of 
Absaroka  or  Crow  Indians  from  Montana  Territory,  wlio  visited  Wasliington,  1).  C, 
during  the  months  of  Ajuil  and  -May,  1880. 

Dakota  I.  A  comi)rehensive  list,  arranged  with  great  care  and  skill,  from  Dr. 
Charles  E.  McCiiesnev,  acting  assistant  surgeon,  JJnited  States  Army,  of  signs 
collected  among  the  Dakotas  (Sioux)  near  Fort  Henuett,  Dakota,  during  the  last 
winter  and  sju-ing.  Dr.  McCiiesnev  recpu'sts  that  recognition  should  be  made  of  the 
valuable  assistance  rendered  to  him  by  Mr.  William  Fielden,  the  interpreter  at 
Cheyenne  Agency,  Dakota  Territory. 

Dakota  II.   A  short  list  from  Dr.  IJlaiu  D.  Taylob,  assistant  surgeon,  United 


I 


Ul 


'li 


li 


14 

States  Army,  frotii  recollection  of  signs  observed  among  the  8ioux  during  bis  late 
service  in  tlie  region  inliabited  by  tliat  tribe. 

Dakota  III.  A  special  contribntion  from  Capt.  A.  W.  CdiiLiss,  Kiglith  United 
States  Infantry,  of  signs  observed  by  biiu  dnring  Ids  late  service  among  the  Sioux. 

Dakota  IV.  A  coi)ious  contribution  with  diagrams  from  Dr.  William  II.  CoUBU- 
SIKK,  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  of  signs  obtained  from  the  Ogalala  Sioux 
at  IMne  Kidge  Agency,  Dakota  Territory,  during  1871>-'80. 

Dakota  V.  A  report  of  Dr.  W.  J.  IIoki-'JIAN,  from  observations  among  the  Teton 
Dakotas  while  acting  assistant  surgeon.  United  States  Army,  and  stationed  at  Grand 
River  Agency,  Dakota,  during  1872-73. 

Dakota  VI.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  PeziiI  (Grass),  chief  of  the  Blackfoot 
Sioux;  Xazulatanka  (liig  Head),  chief  of  the  Upi)er  Yanktonais;  and  TsiirrorAKiA 
(Thunder  Hawk),  chief  of  the  Uncpapas,  Teton  Dakotas,  located  at  Standing  Rock, 
Dakota  Territory,  while  at  Washington,  I).  C,  in  June,  1880. 

Dakota  VII.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  SiitJN(MvA  LtJTA  (Red  Dog),  an  Ogalala 
chief  from  the  Red  Cloud  Agency,  wh'i  visited  Washington  in  company  with  a  large 
delegation  of  Dakotas  in  June,  188(K 

Eidatsa  I.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  Tsiiesiiachadaciiisii  (Lean  Wolf), 
chief  of  the  Hidatsa,  located  at  Fort  Berthold,  Dakota  Territory,  while  at  Washing- 
ton, I).  C,  with  a  delegation  of  Si(mx  Indians  in  June,  1880. 

Maiutan  and  Ilidatm  I.  A  discriminating  and  illustrated  contribution  from  Dr. 
AVasuington  Matthews,  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  autlun- of  "Ethnog- 
raphy and  IMulology  of  the  llidatsa  Indians,"  (S:c.,  lately  prejjared  from  his  notes  and 
recollections  of  signs  observed  during  his  long  service  among  the  Mandan  and  lli- 
datsa Indians  of  the  Upper  Missouri. 

Omaha  I.  A  special  list  from  Rev.  .1.  Owen  Dorsev,  nussionary  at  Omaha  Agency, 
Nebraska,  from  observations  lately  made  by  him  at  that  agency. 

Oto  I.  An  elaborate  list,  with  diagrams,  from  Dr.  W.  ('.  Roteleu,  United  States 
Indian  service,  collected  from  the  Otos  at  tiie  Oto  Agency,  Nebraska,  during  1870-'80. 

Oto  and  Missouri  I.  A  snnilar  contribution  by  the  same  authcn-  respecting  the  signs 
of  the  Otos  and  Missouris,  of  Nebraska,  collected  during  the  winter  of  187!>-'80,  in  the 
description  of  many  of  which  he  has  been  joined  by  Aliss  Katie  Haknes. 

Ponka  I.  A  sliort  list  from  Rev.  J.  Owen  Dousev,  lately  obtained  by  him  from 
the  Poidcas  in  Nebraska. 

IROtjUOIAN. 

Iroquois  I.  A  list  of  signs  contributed  by  the  Hon.  IIouatio  Hale,  author  of 
"  Philology  "  of  the  Wilkes  Exploring  Kxi)edition,  &c.,  now  residing  at  Clinton,  Ontario, 
Canada,  obtained  in  June,  1880,  from  Sakayenkwakaton  (Disappearing  Mist),  famil- 
iarly known  as  John  Smoke  Joiinson,  chief  of  tlie  Canadian  division  of  the  Six  Nations 
or  Irocjuois  proper,  now  a  very  aged  man,  residing  at  Hrantford,  Canada. 

Wyandot  I.  A  list  of  sign^  from  Hento  (Gray  Eyes),  chief  of  the  Wyandots,  who 
visited  Washington,  D.  C,  during  the  spring  of  1880,  in  the  interest  of  that  tribe,  now 
located  in  Indian  Territory. 

kaiowan. 

KaioH-a  I.  A  list  of  signs  from  Sittijiuea  (Stumbling  Bear),  a  Kaiowa  chief  from 
Indian  Territory,  who  visited  Washington,  D.  C,  in  June,  1880. 


15 


KUTINEAN. 


Kutine  I.  A  letter  from  J.  W.  Powell,  Esq.,  Indian  superintendent,  British  Colum- 
bia, relatinjj;  to  bis  observations  among  the  Kutine  and  others. 


PANIAN. 


Arikam  I,  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  KuANurnKNAUiucii  (Son  of  the  Star), 
chief  of  the  Arikaras,  located  at  Fort  Bertbold,  Dakota  Territory,  while  at  Washing- 
ton, D.  C,  with  a  delegation  of  Indians  in  June,  1880. 


SAHAPTIAN. 

Sahaptin  I.  A  list  contributed  by  Kev.  G.  L.  Deffenhaugh,  of  Lapwai,  Idaho, 
giving  signs  obtained  at  Kamiah,  Idaho,  chietly  from  Felix,  chief  of  the  Nez  Percys, 
and  used  by  the  Sahaptin  or  Xez  Perces. 

SHOSHONIAN. 

Comanche  I.  Notes  from  Kev.  A.  J.  Holt,  Deuison,  Texas,  respecting  the  Coman- 
che signs,  obtained  at  Anadarko,  Indian  Territory. 

Comanche  II.  Information  obtained  at  Washington,  in  February,  1880,  from  Maj. 
J.  M.  Ha  WORTH,  Indian  inspector,  relating  to  signs  used  by  the  Comanches  of  Indian 
Territory. 

Comanche  III.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  Koui  (Wild  Horse),  a  Comanche  chief 
from  Indian  Territory,  who  visited  Washington,  D.  C,  in  June,  1880. 

Pai-Ute  I.  Information  obtained  at  Washington  from  NItshes,  a  Pai-Ute  chief, 
who  was  one  of  a  delegation  of  that  tribe  to  Washington  in  January,  1880. 

Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  Tendov  (The  Climber), 
TisiDiMiT,  Pete,  and  Uiagat,  members  of  a  delegation  of  Shoshoni  and  Banak  chiefs 
from  Idaho,  wlio  visited  Washington,  D.  C,  during  the  months  of  April  and  May,  1880. 

Ute  I.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  Alejandro,  Galote,  Augustin,  and  other 
chiefs,  members  of  a  delegation  of  Ute  Indians  of  Colorado,  who  visited  Washington, 
D.  C,  during  the  early  months  of  the  year  1880. 


tinnean. 

Apache  I.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  IIuekito  (Little  Blonde),  Agustin  Vijel, 
and  Santiago  Largo  (James  Long),  members  of  a  delegation  of  Apache  chiefs  from 
Tierra  Amarilla,  New  ]\Iexico,  who  visited  Washington,  U.  C,  in  the  months  of  March 
and  April,  1880. 

A2)ache  II.  A  list  of  signs  obtained  from  Xakananitain  (White  Man),  an  Apache 
chief  from  Indian  Territory,  who  visited  Washington  in  June,  18S0. 

Apache  III.  A  large  collection  made  during  the  i)resent  summer  by  Dr.  Francis  H. 
Atkin.s,  acting  assistant  surgeon,  United  States  Army,  from  tiie  Mescaiero  Apache, 
near  South  Fork,  Xew  Mexico.  This  MS.  was  received  after  the  whole  of  the  VocAnr- 
LARV  had  gone  to  the  i)rinter,  and  a  large  part  actually  printed,  so  it  was  not  i)ossible 
to  insert  all  of  the  descriptions  in  the  present  edition.  The  interesting  "  Narrative" 
communicated  by  Dr.  Atkins  is  printed  with  similar  matter  following  the  Vucaullary, 


l(j 


WKIIITAN. 


Mlchita  I.  A  list  of  sij^iis  tVoin  IWv.  A.  .1.  IIolt,  inissioiiaiy,  obtained  Irom  Kin 
Che-kss  (Spectacles),  INicdiciiie-inaii  of  the  Wicliitiis,  at  the  Wichita  Agency,  IiHiiaii 
Territory,  in  1879. 

Wicliitd  II.  A  list  of  sifins  from  TsodiAko  (Shaved  Head  I5oy),  a  Wichita  chief, 
from  Indian  Territory,  who  visited  Wasiiington,  I).  C,  in  Jnne,  1880. 

ZUNIAN. 

Zui'ii  I.  Some  preliminary  notes  lately  received  from  Rev.  Taylor  F.  Ealy,  mis- 
sionary among  the  Zuni,  upon  the  signs  of  that  body  of  Indians. 

Grateful  acknowledgment  must  be  uiade  to  Prof.  E.  A.  Fay,  of  the  National  Deaf 
^Inte  College,  through  wliose  special  attention  a  large  number  of  the  natural  signs  of 
deaf-nnites,  remembered  by  them  as  liaving  been  invented  and  used  before  instruction 
in  conventional  signs,  indeed  before  attending  any  school,  was  obtained,  which  are 
printed  in  this  pajjcr.  The  gentlemen  wlio  made  the  contributions  in  their  own  MS., 
and  without  promi)ting,  are  as  follows:  Messrs.  M.  Ballaud,  li.  iM.  Zkigleii,  J.Ckoss, 

Philip  J.  Hahenstab, Larson.    Their  names  will  follow  the  several  descrijttions. 

Mr.  Ballard  is  now  the  tea(!her  in  the  jjri'mary  school  of  the  college,  and  the  other 
gentlemen  were  students  during  the  last  session. 

Si)ecial  thanks  are  also  rendered  to  Prof.  James  D.  Butler,  of  Madison,  Wis.,  for 
contribution  of  Italian  gesture-signs,  noted  by  him  in  184.'},  and  for  many  useful  sug- 
gestions. 

A  small  collection  of  Australian  signs  has  been  extracted  from  The  AhorigincHof 
Victoria,  by  B.  Brough  Smyth,  vol.  ii,  i)p.  4-5,  308-9.  London,  1878.  Upon  these 
the  author  makes  the  following  curious  remarks :  "  It  is  believed  that  they  have  sev- 
eral signs,  known  only  to  themselves,  or  to  those  among  the  whites  wiio  have  had 
intercourse  with  them  for  lengthened  periods,  which  co)ivey  information  readily  and 
accurately.  Indeed,  because  of  their  use  of  signs,  it  is  the  tirm  belief  of  many  (some 
uneducated  aiul  some  educated)  that  the  natives  of  Australia  are  acquainted  with  the 
secrets  of  Freemasonry." 


VOCABULARY. 


Abide.    See  §tay. 

Above. 

Place  the  riglit  liaiid,  by  aii  asceudiiifr  motion,  upon  the  left  hand, 
both  extended,  fingers  joined  aud  palms  down.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Point  with  fore  finger  of  right  hand  raise<l  from  the  side  to  tlie  heav- 
ens above  with  extended  arm  <jui<!kly.     (OJibica  IV.) 

Thumb  and  forefingers  of  both  hands  extended,  pointing  upright 
(other  fingers  closed)  in  front  of  body,  level  of  breast,  back  of  hand 
outward,  and  then  held  in  this  position,  left  hand  outside  of  and  higher 
than  the  right.  The  sign  can  also  be  made  with  one  hand,  by  moving 
It  after  being  held  at  the  lower  height  to  tlie  higher  one,  and  llolding  it 
there  a  short  time.  {Dakota  I.)  "  Superior  height-one  person  or  thing 
above  another." 

With  the  back  of  the  hand  toward  the  right,  the  fingers  bent  at  right 
angles  with  the  palm  and  pointing  toward  the  left,  pnsh  tiie  right  hand 
from  in  front  of  the  chin  upward  until  it  is  a  little  higher  than  the  head 
{Dakota  IV.) 

Raise  the  hand  very  quickly  above  the  head,  palm  to  the  frout,  aud 
a  little  back  of  the  head.    {Omaha  I.) 

The  riglit  hand,  with  the  index  only  extended,  is  elevated  before  the 
head.    {Comanche  I.) 

Tlie  left  flat  liand  is  held  in  front  of  the  body  at  the  height  of  the 
elbow  palin  down,  the  right  similarly  placed,  over,  and  a  little  higher 
than  the  left.    To  express  greater  elevation  the  right  hand  is  raised. 

A  little. 

Hold  the  left  hand  horizontal  aud  in  front  of  the  bodv,  fingers  open 
but  joined  together,  palm  upward.  The  right  hand  is  th^n  phujed  hon- 
zontal  fingers  open  but  joined,  palm  downward,  an  inch  or  more  above 
the  left,  and  raised  or  lowered  a  fe^y  inches  several  times,  the  left  hand 
being  perfectly  still.  {Dodge.) 
3 


'  I 


|1 


18 

Above,  coiiHidorably. 

Pliico  tlie  liiiiidM  as  in  Above,  a  little,  tluMi  raise  tho  ri^lit  hand 
hij^hcr  and  liigiiur,  as  tlus  iiei^iit  to  be  expressed  is  greater,  until,  if 
cnonnouHlii  above,  the  rijjht  liand  is  raised  as  hifjli  as  possible ;  fixing 
the  eyes  toward  the  zenith,  emit  a  duplicate  grunt,  the  more  prolonged 
the  greater  the  height  is  expressed.  The  left  hajid  must  continue 
motionless  during  all  this.     [Dodye.) 

Ache.    Hee  Pain. 

AcroMM. 

Pass  the  hand,  flattened  and  either  partially  or  entirely  extended, 
from  the  breast,  forward,  upward,  and  downward,  forming  au  arch  to 
the  front.    {Absaroka  I;  Shoshoni  and  Batiak  I.) 

On  the  other  side  of. 


Elevate  the  left  fist  palm  down  before  the  face,  and  pass  the  flat  and 
extended  right  across  the  back  of  the  left  beginning  at  the  thumb,  slid- 
ing it  down  on  the  outer  side  so  as  to  turn  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the 
right  nearly  in  toward  the  palm  of  the  left.     ( Ute  I.) 

Add  to ;  to  put  in  xonie  more ;  to  add  or  put  to.   (Compare 

Counting;.) 

With  right  hand  make  downward  motion  as  though  to  take  up  some- 
thing ;  (li)  move  suddenly'  over  to  left  as  though  depositing  the  some 
thing  in  it ;  to  add  one,  the  three  first  fingers  are  clasped  down  by  the 
thuml).  To  add  two,  the  little  and  third  finger  extended.  To  add  three, 
the  little  and  middle  fingers  extended.  To  add  four,  all  the  fingers  ex- 
tended.   To  add  much,  many,  sign  .as  before.    {Cheyenne  I.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  in  front  of  body  scoop  fashion  \\  i,  ,i  back  of  hand 
downward,  then  with  the  right  hand  held  in  the  same  scoop  manner, 
with  palm  downward  make  a  sort  of  diving  motion  downward  and  out- 
ward and  lastly  inward  and  upward  to  the  left  hand,  as  though  gather- 
ing imaginary  objects  and  putting  them  in  the  left  hand.  {Dakota  I.) 
''Gathering  and  adding  to." 

With  the  fttigers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand,  pretend  to  pick  some 
imaginary  object  in  the  direction  of  the  locality  of  the  desired  object, 
placing  it  near  the  body,  and  repeating  the  gesture  several  times. 
{Dakota  VII.) 

Bring  the  point  of  the  extended  forefingers  together  before  the  breast. 
{Omaha  I.) 

Left  hand  extended  palm  downward  (IV).  liring  right  hand  directly 
over  left  hand  downward,  and  let  the  right  hand  palm  downward  fall 
upon  the  back  of  the  extended  left  hand.  {Comanche  I.)  "Piling  up 
furs." 


^ 


19 

Admiration,  action  of  admiring:;  MiirpriMe;  wonder. 
(Compare  Pretty,  content.) 

Placint?  the  hand  upon  tlio  month,  to  show  that  hmguaso  is  inadequate 
to  C(nnmunicatc  their  senHations.     {Long.) 

llohl  the  hollow  hand  for  some  time  before  the  m(mth.  Perhaps  the 
idea  being  that  the  month,  widely  open  in  anmzenient,  is  concealed  be- 
neath it,  and  it  being  improper  to  di8i)lay  emotion  or  admiration, 
the  open  mouth  is  concealed  by  the  hand.    {Ojihica  I.) 

(1)  Face  turned  to  the  right ;  (2)  eyebrows  elevated  and  (!ontracted; 
(3)  right  hand  lifted  with  fingers  carelessly  or  loosely  extended ;  (4) 
bnmght  inddenly  toward  the  mouth.  To  express  snrpnse  as  distinct 
from  admiration  make  the  following  sign:  Eyebrows  contracted  and 
elevated,  eyes  indicating  interest,  right  hand  fingers  outspread,  elevated 
to  side  and  front  of  eyes,  gently  oscillated.     (Cheyenne  1.) 

Arms  are  crossed  in  front  of  body,  the  hands  (S)  pressing  against  the 
right  and  left  breasts,  which  pressure  is  alternately  relaxed  and  renewed. 
At  the  same  time  pleasure  is  expressed  by  facial  emotion.  {Dakota  I.) 
"Almost  involuntary  on  seeing  an  object  or  thing  they  admire." 

Deaf-mute  natural  nign. — Draw  one  ])alm  along  ujmn  the  other  ;  then 
press  them  against  your  breast,  directly  oj)posite  the  heart,  making  at 
the  same  time  your  face  look  like  trying  to  kiss.     {Crosn.) 

Adulation. 

Italian  nign. — The  mouth  kissing  the  hand — by  whi(;h  Job  <lescribed  a 
species  of  idolatry — is  a  species  of  adulation  practiced  by  every  cring- 
ing servant  in  Italy.     {Butler.) 

Advance  an«l  Retreat.    (Compare  Battle.) 

With  the  upright  hands  about  four  inches  apart,  palms  facing,  lingers 
sei)arated  a  little  and  semi-flexed,  in  front  of  the  upper  part  of  the  chest, 
while  all  the  fingers  are  in  motion,  move  the  left  hand  away  from  the 
right  about  four  inches  and  bend  it  backward  until  its  palm  looks 
obliquely  upward  toward  the  right,  and  at  the  same  time  throw  the  right 
hand  toward  it  and  partly  over  it ;  then  move  the  right  hand  away 
from  the  left  and  reverse  the  position  of  the  hands.  Kepeat  this 
maneuver  several  times.    {Dakota  IV.) 

The  hands  held  as  in  the  sign  for  Battle,  then  their  relations  to  one 
another  remaining  unchanged,  they  are  moved  alternately  from  side  to 
side  to  represent  the  alternate  advances  and  retreats  of  ojtijosing  forces. 
{Matidan  and  Hidatm  I.) 


20 


\     I 


\i 


h 
ft 


)        ! 


AfYci*.    S<!t'  neToiU'.    {Chei/iiDicl],) 
ytlleetioii.    Sou  liOV(>. 
AHIriiintive.    Huu  \em» 

Affed.    OI«l  man. 

VIm'ii  till'  cliiiclietl  ri^lit  liand  in  front  of  the  shonhU'i',  a  foot  or  so 
from  it,  palm  to  tlio  left,  tlnMi  jmisIi  it  forward  a  few  inches,  drawin},'  it 
ba<!k  at  a  lower  lev«'l.  This  is  done  three  or  fonr  times,  and  the  body 
is  iiKilined  to  the  front  at  the  same  time.  (Ahxarolm  I;  ShoHltoni  and 
Baimk  I.)     "(iraspinj;'  a  staff  tor  assistance  in  locomotion." 

Place  the  dinehed  fist  in  front  of  and  nearly  as  liiyli  as  the  shonl- 
dor,  then  pnsh  it  forward  repeatedly,  drawing'  it  back  at  a  lower  level 
(Ddkntii  \'\.)     "  Imitates  walking,'  with  a  stat!'." 

Hold  the  rin'ht  list  in  front  of  the  right  side  nearly  as  high  as  the 
shoulder,  move  it  forward  ami  bring  it  ba<'k  a  little  lower,  repeating  the 
motion  several  times.  {Kaioirti^l;  (Jomunclie  111;  Ajxultc  U  ;  Wicliitu  II.) 
"  Walking  with  a  staff." 

Allt'ild.     Hee  ll('l*ol*e. 

Air.    See  Wind. 

Alike.    See  Name. 

Alive. 

Right  linger  whirled  upward.     (Miicnowdii.) 

The  right  hand,  back  upward,  is  to  be  at  the  luMght  of  the  elbow 
and  forward,  the  index  exteiuled  and  pointing  forward,  the  other  Hngers 
closed,  thumb  against  middle  linger;  then,  while  rotating  the  hand  out- 
ward, nu)ve  it  to  a  ])osition  about  four  inches  in  front  of  the  face,  the 
back  looking  forward  and  the  index  ]»ointing  upward.     {Dakota  lY.) 

Just  alive,  almost  dead 

The  same  motion  as  for  Alive,  but  the  index  is  to  be  bent  and 
thumb  placed  against  the  palmar  surface  of  the  first  joint  of  the  index. 
{Dakota  IV.) 

All. 

Move  the  right  hand,  palm  downward,  in  a  large  circle,  horizontally, 
two  feet  in  front  of  the  face,  or  move  both  hands  in  the  same  manner. 
{Dakota  IV.) 

Aliva>!«;  Ibrever. 

Pass  the  right  hand,  flat  and  extended,  edgewise  from  the  head  out- 
ward toward  the  right,  in  two  movements,  the  palm  at  last  pointing  to 
the  right.    The  eyes  are  directed  upward  at  the  same  time.   ( Wyaiidoi  I.) 


t 


21 

Miiko  tlit^  siun  for  Time,  n  Ioiik'<  iiiul  Ioiik'  »K'0.    {Vomnnvhc  HI.) 
'•The  iiiloi'iiiiiiit  WHS  i»'!|iit'.sttMl  to  ^ivc  the  si;;ii  lor  tlif  iil)i»vt^  word, 
out  us  none  was  known,  he  siiid  tln^  iicart'si  approarli  to  tlic  idea  would 
1)0  expnissod  l)y  niakiiiji;  tlie  siffus  ii)eanin)r  linuj  tufo,  a  lontf  time.^ 

Same  as  tlnj  si;;ii  lor  ICartli,  lilt".     (JJakotn  I.)    " WitlioutiMid" 
yliiiericnii.    Hie  White  iiinn. 

AiaioiiK. 

Uvluii  the  llnj^ors  and  tliiiinl)  of  tlic  h^ft  linnd  nearly  toj^etiier,  so  as 
to  Ibnn  an  inteiiiipted  eiiele  liavin;;  a  dianietiu-of  an  intrlior  more,  tlien 
introduce  tlie  extended  index  as  far  as  tiie  second  Joint.  (Ktfii)irii  I; 
Vomnnche  III-,  Apaclie  II;    Wivltita  II.)     '' In  tlie  midst  of  others" 

AiiK'Ci**    (Comitare  Had  li«>ai*l  and  Mad.) 

The  llnf;'ers  and  thnmh  of  the  rinlit  hand  witli  t!ie  ends  to<;ether  and 
near  tlu^  breast,  then  turn  the;  hainl  round  two  or  tliree  times  so  as  to 
describe  vertieal  circles,  indicating  that  the  heart  is  disturbed.     [Long.) 

(.'los(»  the  list,  place  it  ayuinst  the  forehead,  and  turn  it  to  and  fro  in 
that  jtosition.     {liiirfoii.) 

(1)  Motion  as  if  to  touch  tiie  right  breast  with  the  ri}>lit  hand  to  ex- 
press "self,"  "I;"  (2)  tlnjfers  partially  closed,  thund)  restiiijr  ou  the 
tips  and  extendiu;>'  across  the  hand;  (3)  suthlen  motion  forward  and 
sliji'htly  to  the  rij^iit;  (4)  linj;ers  si)rung  wide  open;  (o)  rapidly  shaken 
to  and  fro.     (Cliei/cnne  I.)     •' Shakinf>' oil,  deprecatiu};." 

Cl()se  the  ri};ht  hand  as  if  j^raspinf^  a  small  object,  hohl  it  several 
inches  before  the  forehead,  and  twist  it  around  toward  the  left.  [Absa- 
»•<)/,((  I;  iSkoshoni  and  liaiiak  I) 

With  the  right  hand,  list  (B  2)  r.dsed  to  the  upper  part  of  the  face  in 
front,  strdce  down  on  the  left  side  of  t  le  boily  to't.ie  level  of  the  stom- 
ach. Vei'y  iiliicli  aii;;'ei*cd,  repeat  t  lis  movement  several  times, 
ami  express  it  t)y  (Muitractiou  of  the  nuisdes  of  the  face.     {Dakota  I.) 

The  elbow  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  shoulder,  then  strike  with 
the  list  across  the  face  to  the  left,  the  face  expressing  impatience.  [Da- 
kota III.) 

Touch  the  chest  over  the  heart  two  or  three  times  with  the  ends  of 
the  lingers  of  the  right  hand;  t)>.eu  laake  the  sign  for  bad.  {Dakota 
IV.)     '-Heart  bad." 

The  right  arm  is  elevated  and  in  type-position  (A),  brought  to  fore,- 
head  above  right  eye  and  twisted  spirally  from  right  to  left;  motion 
ending  with  lists  palm  outward.     {Oto  1.) 


^ 

b* 


22 

Close  tlie  right  hsiiul  as  if  grasping  a  small  object,  place  it  to  the  fore- 
hea^l  ]»aliii  down,  then  twist  it  forcibly,  drawing  the  hand  slightly  to  the 
front  as  if  twisting  off  any  i)rojection.  Another:  The  clinched  right 
hand  is  twisted  against  the  breastbone  instead  of  the  forehea^l. 
Another:  When  not  very  angry  the  index  is  slightly  bent  and  twisted 
before  the  foreliead.    ( Ute  I.) 

Witli  the  thnnib  and  fingers  of  the  right  hand  (iollected  to  a  point, 
place  tlie  inner  side  of  the  hand  over  the  heart,  back  uj).  {Kaiowa  I; 
Comanche  III;  Apache  II;   irjV/<)7«  II.) 

Bring  the  tips  of  the  lingers  and  thnnib  of  the  right  hand  to  a 
point,  and  place  them  to  the  foroliead  just  over  the  nasal  eminence. 

(Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mate  natural  Hignx. — Make  wrinkles  in  your  face  by  frowning  and 
shake  yonr  head.     {CrosH.) 

Hide  the  face,  next  turn  the  head  to  another  side,  and  then  stretch 
down  the  open  hand  so  as  to  indicate  that  the  offender  should  be  out  of 
sight  immediately.     [Hascnxtab.) 

Move  backward  and  suddeidy  raise  the  hands  between  the  breat't  with 
a  disagreeable  expressioii  of  the  face.     [Larson.) 

Move  the  lijys  as  if  speaking  like  a  very  angry  man.     (Zeiffler.) 

angry  with  yon. 

Hand  closed,  right  index  extended  and  points  to  heart;  then  sign  for 
anger;  then  right  index  points  to  the  individual  intended.  (Oto  I.) 
"The  miiul  turned  away." 


I!-  ¥i:     4 


""i 


i 


Antelope. 

Pass  tlie  open  right  hand  outward  from  the  small  of  the  back.  (  Wied.) 
This,  as  explained  by  Indians  examined  by  the  present  editor,  indicates 
the  liglitcr  coloration  upon  tlie  aniinars  flanks.  The  Ute  who  could 
si)eak  Spanish  accompanied  it  with  the  word  bianco,  as  if  recognizing 
that  it  iiMiiiired  explaiiatii  n. 

Extend  and  separate  the  forefingers  and  thumbs,  nearly  close  all  the 
other  lingers,  and  place  the  hands  with  backs  outward  above  and  a  little 
ill  front  of  the  ears,  about  four  inches  from  the  head,  and  shake  them 
back  and  forth.    [Dakota  IV.)     "  Antelope's  horns." 

With  the  index  only  (extended  hold  the  hand  eighteen  or  twenty 
inches  transversely  in  front  of  the  head,  index  pointing  to  the  left,  then 
rub  tli(^  sides  of  the  body  with  the  Hat  hands.  [Dakota  VI.)  "The 
latter  sign  refers  to  the  white  sides  of  the  animal ;  the  former  could  not 
be  explained." 


m 


23 

OIoso  the  riprht  hand,  leaving  tho  end  of  tlio  index  in  the  form  of  a 
hook  and  tiio  thumb  partly  oxtonded ;  then  wave  the  hand  (luickly  back 
and  forth  a  short  distance,  opposite  the  t^^'.mple.  {Huiatsa  1;  Arikara 
1.)  "  Rei)reseuts  the  pronjfed  horn  of  the  animal.  This  is  the  sign 
ordinarily  used,  but  it  was  noticed  that  in  conversing  with  one  of  the 
Dakotas  (VI)  the  sign  of  the  latter  was  used  several  times,  to  be  more 
readily  understood." 

Place  both  hands,  fingers  fully  extended  and  spread,  close  to  the  sides 
of  the  heiul.  Wied^s  sign  was  readily  understood  as  signifying  the 
white  Hanks.    {Apache  1.) 

Arrive.    See  Come. 

Are  you?    8ee  <liiestioii. 

Arrow. 

Pass  the  index-tinger  of  the  right  hand  several  times  across  the  left 
arm.     ( ^yie^l.) 

Expressed  by  notching  it  upon  an  imaginary  bow  and  by  snapping 
with  the  index  and  medius.     {Burton.) 

Forefinger  of  right  hand  extended,  i)ointiiig  ui>right  in  front  of  breast ; 
back  of  hand  out,  then  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  left  hand  (other 
fingers  loosely  closed)  rub  up  and  down  the  extended  forefinger  of  the 
right  hand  (straightening  the  arrow),  thumb  and  foretinger  on  opposite 
sides,  and  then  extend  the  IciC  hand  in  front  of  body  and  draw  the  right 
back  as  though  it  was  the  arrow  fixed  in  the  string  of  the  bow.  {Dako- 
ta I.)    "  From  the  place  of  the  arrow  in  drawing  the  bow." 

Semi-flex  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  and  place  the  hand 
in  front  of  the  chest  with  its  palm  inclining  at  an  angle  of  45°  down- 
ward ami  backward  and  toward  the  right;  draw  the  extended  right 
index,  its  back  forward  from  left  to  right  downward  and  backward  be- 
tween the  left  index  and  tlmiid)  and  along  the  i)alm,  at  the  same  time 
bringing  the  ends  of  the  two  latter  together.  {Dakota  IV.)  ''  Drawing 
an  arrow  out  of  the  hand  in  which  they  hold  their  arrows." 

Both  arms  are  Hexed  as  in  position  to  shoot.  The  right  arm  is  drawn 
uj)  and  flexed  to  an  angle  of  45°,  with  hand  in  position  (E  1)  modified, 
by  palm  facing  the  body.  Left  arm  is  extend 'd/rom  body  about  one 
foot  and  bent,  with  elbow  horizontal  at  an  aiigh'  >»f  80^.  Lt.ft  liand  is  in 
position  (liJ  1)  moditied  by  reversing  hand.  The  sign  is  (^nuph'ted  by 
uniform  movement,  to  and  from,  as  of  swinging-arrow,  aft«'r  assuming 
above  positions.     {Oto  I.)     "Clasping  string  and  pointing  arrow." 


:?0f 


I'  ,  I 


i 


Ul 


24 

Hold  the  loft  hand  as  liij^h  as,  and  some  distance  in  front  of,  the  left 
breast,  back  forward,  hand  nearly  half  closed,  then  draw  the  extended 
index  (h)wnward  over  the  i)alin  of  the  left,  the  whole  distani*  extending 
abont  twenty  inches.  [Kaiowa  1;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita 
II.)  "  Drawing-  an  arrow  over  the  hand  as  in  pulling  the  bow-string  to 
shoot." 

To  hit  with  an. 


Place  the  tips  of  the  fingers  downward  upon  the  thumb,  then  snap 
them  forward;  then  strike  the  hands  together  and  elevate  the  in<Iex 
finger  of  the  right  hand.  (  Wied.)  Probably  when  he  says  "  strike  the 
liaiids  togetlier,"  lie  wishes  to  describe  my  sign  for  Shot.  When  the 
person  whom  the  prince  saw  making  this  sign  raised  the  finger  he  may 
have  done  so  to  indicate  a  man  shot  or  one  shot.  I  do  not  think  that  the 
raising  of  the  finger  is  an  integral  pi  rt  of  the  sign.     {Mattheics.) 

Pass  the  extended  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  (others  closed)  back  of 
hand  toward  the  right,  between  the  fore  and  second  fingers  of  the  left 
hand,  held  about  IS  inches  in  front  of  body,  back  of  hand  out,  horizon- 
tal, 'lil  the  lingers  extended,  and  then  close  the  two  fingers  of  the  left 
hand  on  the  right  index.     {Dulxola  I.)     "Arrow  sticking  in  the  target." 

After  making  the  sign  for  Bow  strike  the  back  of  the  right  hand, 
its  index  extended,  other  hngers  closed,  against  the  palm  of  the  opened 
left.     (Dal-ota  IV.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Bow,  but  with  tliis  addition:  that  after  the 
finger  has  snapi)ed  from  the  thumb,  the  back  of  the  right  hand  is  struck 
against  the  palm  of  the  left.     {Dakota  V.) 

With  the  index  only,  extended  and  pointing  upward,  then  elevate  the 
left  hand  ])alm  toward  breast,  first  finger  separated  from  tlie  middle, 
pass  the  index  of  the  right  forcibly  forward  and  through  the  space  thus 
formed,  striking  the  knuckles  of  the  right  against  the  palm  of  the  left 
with  a  thud.     (Omaha  I.) 

To  kill  with  an. 


Extend  the  left  hand,  closed,  as  if  grasping  a  bow,  drawing  the  right 
back  toward  the  shoulder  from  the  left,  snap  the  first  two  fingers  of  the 
right  forward  from  the  thumb  and  throw  the  right  over,  toward  the 
right  and  downward.     (Ute  I.) 

To  shoot  with  bow  and. 


The  hands  are  i>Uiced  as  in  the  attitude  of  drawing  the  arrow  in  the 
bow  (this  is  also  the  sign  for  the  bow),  and  its  departure  is  indicated  by 
springing  the  lingers  from  the  thumbs,  as'iu  the  act  of  sprinkling  water. 

(Lontj.) 


25 

Place  the  tips  of  the  tinkers  tlowiiwartl  upon  the  tliumb,  then  snap 
them  forward.  (Wied.)  I  believe  I  have  described  this  under  the  head 
of  DiMCliarg'e  of  deadly  iiiiMwile.  I  have  alv-iys  seen  the  sanie 
sign  made  for  shooting  both  bidlet  and  arrow.  If  it  is  necessary  to 
distinguish  the  weapon,  it  can  be  done  by  appropriate  signs  in  addi- 
tion to  this.  {Matthews.)  The  left  arm  was  then  elevated,  sliglitly  bent 
at  elbow,  and  extended  from  the  boily  as  in  holding  a  bow.  The  right 
arm  was  then  tiexed,  and  the  hand,  in  position  (fir  1),  inverted  as  hold- 
ing and  pulling  the  string ;  the  hands  are  thus  uniforndy  swayed  to 
and  fro  several  times,  as  if  holding  the  arrow  in  mtu  and  taking  an  aim. 
If  Wied's  sign  is  complete,  there  is  little  resemblance  to  the  sign  among 
the  Otos,  save  in  the  position  of  the  right  hand,  which  is  similar,  though 
inverted.  In  the  Oto  sign  the  distance  between  the  hands  would  indi- 
cate length  of  the  arrow,  which  is  not  shown  in  the  latter.  (Boteler.) 
"That  whi(;h  rests  in  the  string  and  bow." 

Make  the  sign  for  Bow,  then  right  hand  drawn  suddenly  back 
toward  right  shoulder,  fingers  of  both  hands  snai)])ed  to  indicate  dis- 
charge of  arrow  and  twang  of  string.     (Clieyenne  I.) 

Extend  the  left  arm  w.ith  closed  hand  as  if  grasi)ing  the  bow,  draw 
the  right  hand  back  toward  the  right  side  of  the  face  with  the  second 
finger  resting  against  the  thumb ;  then  allow  tiie  linger  to  spring  forward, 
move  it  in  the  direction  of  the  object  hit,  and  strike  the  backs  of  the 
fingers  of  the  right  hand  against  the  palm  of  the  left.     {Dalota  V.) 

Same  sign  as  Dalota  V.     {Dakota  VII.) 

Extend  the  liift  hand  at  a  left  obli<]ue,  the  thumb  and  middle  finger 
forming  a  circle,  bring  the  right  hand  back  to  the  right  breast,  and  flip 
the  fingers  of  both  hands  from  the  thumbs.     {Omaha  I.) 

Arrow-head. 

With  the  index  finger  of  the  right  hand,  touch  the  tip  of  tlie  extended 
forefinger  of  the  left  hand  several  times.     (  Wied.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Arron'  and  then  place  the  right  thumb,  palm 
forward,  on  the  last  .joint  of  the  left  index,  its  palm  inward,  the  other 
fingers  closed.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Ashamed. 

The  extended  right  hand,  palm  inwards,  is  i)asse(l  up  and  down  two  or 
three  times,  in  front  of  the  face  and  an  inch  or  two  from  it,  with  a  mod- 
erately rapid  motion.     {Mandaii  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

I  am. 


Cross  the  hands  in  front  of  the  face,  palms  backward,  the  right  behind 
the  left,  to  hide  the  face.     {Dakota  IV.) 


1 

i  i' 

1 1 

I  ■ 

11 

i1 

^ 

i ' 

1 
I 

^1 

1'  '  ■ 


!■■  ,!! 


I  i .   « 


ii  W 


I'll  \l 


*!' 


i 


i; : 


26 

AmIicm. 

Iliuids  with  tinkers  extended,  broufjlit  together  in  front  of  the  body, 
pahiiar  surfaces  of  little  fingers  Joined,  and  hands  sloping  obliqnelj' up- 
ward with  backs  looking  towards  the  sides,  extended  fingers  pointing  to 
the  front,  &<;. ;  /.  e.,  hands  held  in  imitation  of  a  straight  scoop,  then 
without  separating  the  hands  carry  them  forward  and  downward  with 
a  quick  upsetting  motion.  {Dakota  I.)  "Scooping  up  and  throwing 
away  ashes." 

Asleep  or  Mleeping^. 

Place  the  hands  open  over  the  face,  close  the  eyes  and  gently  press 
them  down,  at  same  time  gently  incline  the  head  and  body  to  the  right, 
until  attaining  an  angle  of  about  45°,  or  lower,  renuiin  in  that  position 
a  few  moments.     (Ojibica  IV.) 

Anw.    See  . Millie. 

AwNent.    See  Yes. 

ANtoniNliiiieiit.    See  Siii*pi*i!>ie. 

Attention. 

Hold  the  right  hand  fiat  and  extended,  palm  down,  at  arm's  length 
and  directed  toward  the  person  addressed,  shaking  it  from  side  to  side 
several  times.     (Absarolca  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

To  attract  a  person's  attention  previous  to  com  mencing  conversation 

The  right  hand  (T)  carried  directij*  out  in  front  of  the  body,  with  arm 
fully  extended  and  there  moved  sidewise  with  rapid  motions.  (Dakota  I.) 

Aurora  borealis. 

First  make  the  sign  for  the  ifloon  in  front  of  the  body,  at  the  level 
of  the  breast,  and  then  on  both  sides  of  it  at  the  same  time  make  »vith 
both  hands  tlu^  sign  for  fire. 

Tliis  re(iuires  exi)lanation.  The  Sioux  believe  the  northern  lights  to 
be  the  retiection  of  a  tire  Unilt  on  either  side  of  the  moon  to  warm  it. 
(Dakota  I.) 

Autumn. 

With  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  right  hand  describe  a  crescent  (other 
fingers  closed),  back  of  closed  fingers  outward,  hand  carried  in  this  posi- 
tion from  above  and  to  the  left  of  the  head  in  front  of  body  toward  the 
right  and  downward  moderately  rapid  with  a  curved  and  small  up  and 
down  waving  motion  made  by  turning  the  forearm  and  hand  in  imita- 
tion of  a  leaf  (sarried  from  the  tree  by  a  slight  breeze.  ( Dakota  1.)  "The 
falling  of  tiie  leaves." 


I 


i5i 


27 

llohl  tlie  left  liiunl  upright  in  front  of  the  left  shoulder,  fingers  sepa- 
rated a  little  and  slightly  bent,  the  ends  in  a  eirele,  and  throw  the  right, 
its  lingers  separated  a  little  and  slightly  bent,  from  immediately  above 
the  left  several  times  downward  sidewise  on  different  sides,  then,  with 
its  fingers  pointing  obliipiely  upward  toward  the  left,  earry  the  right 
hand  spirally  downward  and  obliquely  toward  the  right,  to  imitate  the 
falling  of  leaves.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Elevate  the  left  hand,  pointing  upward,  before  tlie  face,  palm  to  the 
right  with  fingers  and  thumb  separated,  then  pass  the  right,  with  fin- 
gers in  a  similar  position,  upward  past  tlie  leftashort  distamie,  then  turn 
down  two  or  more  fingers  of  the  right  with  the  forefinger  of  the  left 
anrl  tiirow  the  hands  downward  and  forward  with  spr(>ad  fingers  i)oint- 
ing  in  the  same  direction.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wi- 
chita II.)     "Growth  of  tree,  and  falling  of  leaves." 

Aul. 

The  left  forefinger  is  extended,  and  the  right,  also  extended,  is  placed 
across  it,  and  is  tlien  turned  on  its  axis,  so  as  to  imitate  tlie  action  of 
the  awl  in  making  a  hole.     [Long.) 

(1)  Tliund)  and  tlireo  fingers  of  right  hand  clasped  as  though  grasj)- 
ing  handle  of  an  awl,  and  the  index  finger  extended  to  represent  the 
l>oint;  (2)  thrust  against  the  palm  or  some  portion  of  the  left  hand. 
{Cheyenne  I.) 

A\.    See  Tomahawk. 

Cutting  with  an.    See  Cutting^. 


Baby.    See  CJIiild. 

Rac'oii. 

Separate  the  thumb  and  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  the  former  under, 
the  latter  over  the  extended  left  hand,  palms  down,  as  if  feeling  its 
thickness.     {Arapnho  I.) 

Left  hand  with  thumb  and  fingers  extended.  Joined,  horizontal  edge 
of  hand  downward  is  held  in  front  of  the  left  breast  back  outward,  right 
hand  with  fingers  extended  and  joined,  thumb  extended  and  forked  is 
passed  over  the  left  from  above  with  ends  of  fingers  downward,  and 
then  the  palmar  surfaces  of  tlie  right  fingers  are  passed  along  the  backs, 
and  the  tluunb  along  the  palmar  surface  of  the  left  hand.  {Dakota  I.) 
"IMiin"  is  also  denoted  by  this  sign.    "Fat  like  a  side  of  bacon." 

Bad,  mean. 

Make  the  sign  for  Crood  and  tlien  that  of  Xot.    {Lomj.) 

Close  the  hand,  and  open  it  whilst  passing  it  downward.  ( Wied.) 
This  is  the  same  as  my  description,  but  differently  worded  ;  possildy 


w 


I' . 


Hi- 


r.      I) 


li     ( 


'M 


\     f1 


28 

notes  a  less  tort'ible  form.  I  say,  however,  that  the  hand  is  iiio\e«l 
forward.  Tiie  i>recise  direction  in  which  the  hand  is  moved  is  not,  1 
think,  essential.     (Mattheics.) 

Scatter  the  dexter  Hnj^jers  outward,  as  if  sporting  away  water  from 
them.     (Burton.) 

(1)  Right  hand  partially  elevated,  fingers  closed,  thuinl)  clasping  the 
tii»s;  (!')  sudden  motion  downward  and  outward  accom])anied  by  equally 
sudden  opening  of  fingers  and  snapping  from  the  thumb,  of  the  fingers. 
[Cheyenne  I.) 

Right  hand  closed  (B)  carried  forward  in  front  of  the  body  toward  the 
right  and  downward,  during  which  the  hand  is  opened,  fingers  down- 
ward, as  if  dropping  out  the  contents.    {Dakota  I.)    "  Not  worth  keeping." 

Half  close  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  crook  the  thumb  over  the 
fore  and  middle  fingers  and  move  the  hand,  back  ui)ward,  a  foot  or  so 
towai'd  th»^  object  referred  to,  and  suddenly  let  the  fingers  fly  open. 
[Dakota  IV.)     "Scattered  around,  therefore  bad." 

Close  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  resting  the  tips  against  fhetlnunl), 
then  throw  the  hand  downward  and  outward  toward  the  right  to  arm's 
length,  and  spring  open  the  fingers.     [Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Hands  open,  palms  turned  in ;  mo\'e  one  hand  towards,  and  the  other 
from,  the  body;  then  rice  versa.     [Omaha  I.) 

Throw  the  clinched  right  hand  forward,  downward,  and  outward,  and 
when  near  at  arm's  length,  suddenly  snap  the  lingers  from  the  thumb  a8 
if  spriidvling  water.  [W!/(tn(1ot  I.)  "To  throw  away  contemptuously; 
not  worth  keeping." 

Raise  hand  in  front  of  breast,  fingers  hooked,  tliund)  resting  against 
second  finger,  palm  downward  (fir  1),  then  with  a  nervous  movement 
throw  the  hand  downward  to  the  right  and  a  little  behind  thel)ody,  with 
an  expression  of  disgust  on  the  face.  During  motion  of  hand  the  fing- 
ers are  gradually  extended  as  though  throwing  something  out  of  hand, 
and  in  final  i»osition  the  fingers  and  thuinl)  are  straight  and  separated, 
palm  backward  ( II 1),  with  fingers  iiointing  downward,  palm  backward. 
[ISahaptin  J.)     "Away  with  it." 

Same  motion  of  arm  and  hand  as  in  All  ri;i;iit ;  lirood.    Rut  in  the 

first  position  lingers  are  closed,  and  as  the  hand  moves  to  the  right  they 
are  thrown  o|»en,  until  in  final  position  all  are  extended  as  in  final  for 
itllriftiit;  (liood.     [ISahaptin  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sij/n. — Use  the  sign  for  Handsome,  at  the  same 
time  shake  the  heatl  as  if  to  say  j^o.    [Zieyler.) 


29 

Till'  Nt'iipolitans,  to  «'xi»rp.s8  ('oiiti'ini)t,  blow  towards  tlie  imtsoii  or 
thiiifi  ivii-rivd  to.  The  dcaf-iiiiitos  preserve  tlie  coiiiioctioii  of  "bad" 
and  "  taste  "  by  brusliiiiy  tioiii  the  side  of  the  inoiith.  Tliiss  may  be  com- 
pared  with  the  deaf  mute  si^ii  of  tlip])iiiy  '^'i  imaginary  object  between 
thumb  nail  and  forefinger,  denoting  something  small  or  contemptible. 
The  motion  of  smipi)ing  the  Huger  either  on  or  from  the  thumb  in  dis- 
dain is  not  only  of  large  modern  prevalence  in  civilization,  but  is  at  least 
ii.s  ancient  as  the  contemi)orary  statute  of  Sardanapalns  at  Anchiale. 

Very. 


Sign  for  Very  as  in  Very  S'ood,  and  sign  for  Bad.    (Snhdptin  I.) 

B.i(l  heart;  Wicked.    (Compare  Agi^er.) 

Sign  for  Rad,  then  folded  right  hand  struck  two  or  three  times  sud- 
denly against  the  heart  to  imitate  jtalpitation.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

Taj)  several  times  the  regi(»n  over  the  heart  with  the  right  hand,  hori- 
zontal, tingers  extended,  pointing  toward  the  right,  back  outward,  and 
then  make  the  sign  for  All^er.     (Dakota  I.)     "My  heart  is  bad." 

The  sign  most  conunonly  used  for  this  idea  is  made  by  the  hand  being 
closed  and  held  near  the  breast,  with  the  backs  toward  the  breast,  then 
as  the  arm  is  suddenly  extended  the  hand  is  opened  and  the  tingers 
separated  from  each  other.     {Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Place  the  fingers  of  the  Hat  right  hand  over  the  heart,  then  make  the 
sign  for  bad.     {Dakota  \l^  VII.) 

Ball. 

Middle  fingers  and  thumbs  of  both  hands  brought  together  to  repre- 
St'iit  a  circle.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

Vov  gun.    See  Bullet. 

Barter.    See  Trade. 

Bawiii. 

Same  as  Kettle,  excei)t  final  motion  of  setting  on  the  fire,  which 
is  omitted.     {Dakota  I.)     "From  its  shape." 

Basket. 

Interlock  the  separated  Hngers  of  the  hands  in  front  of  body,  backs 
outward,  hands  horizontal,  in  imitation  of  the  interlacing  of  basket- 
M  ork.     ( Dakota  1.)     "  From  the  interwoven  splinters  of  a  basket." 

Battle.    (Compare  Fi^ht  and  Kill.) 

The  clinched  hands  are  held  about  as  high  as  the  neck  and  five  or  six 
iiichcs  asunder,  then  waved  two  or  three  times  laterally  to  show  the 


*^^ 


K-        ,            »' 

i         i' 

i 

MMBIi 

30 

advances  aiitl  retreats  of  tlie  ooinbatants ;  after  whieli  the  flnfjers  of 
each  hand  are  snttered  to  sprinp  from  tlie  thnnib  towards  each  other, 
as  in  the  act  of  simnklinty  water,  to  rei>resent  the  tliffht  of  missiles. 
{Lorn/.) 

To  show  tliat  fifihtinfi  is  actually  taking  j)lace,  make  the  gesture  of 
Kill ;  tap  the  lips  with  the  i)alm  like  an  Oriental  woman  when  "keen- 
ing," screaming  the  while  O-a!  O-a!  to  imitate  the  war  song.     (Burton.) 

(1)  Fists  of  both  hands  closed  and  brought  to  the  level  of  the  chin, 
near  together  and  knuckle-i  facing  each  othei-;  (2)  moved  suddenly  for- 
ward and  baiikward  with  a  sort  of  (ihurning,  grinding  motion.  {Chey- 
enne I.) 

Both  hands  (A  1)  bnmght  to  the  median  line  of  body  on  a  level  with 
the  breast  and  close  together ;  desciribe  with  both  hands  at  the  same 
time  a  series  of  circular  movements  of  small  circumference.  ( Dnknt<t  I.) 
"Two opposing  forces  of  Indians  at  battle  in  a  circular  manner,  after 
their  usual  (Uistom  of  surrounding  their  enemy." 

Two  or  autre  men  fighting.  Move  the  upright  lists  alternately  several 
times  back  and  forth  about  eight  inches  in  front  of  the  upper  part  of  the 
chest,  i)alms inward,  and  about  four  inches  apart.     (Dakota  IV.) 

The  clinched  fists  are  held  before  the  chest,  backs  outward  (the  fore- 
arm neither  prone  nor  supine),  aiul  jtassed  straight  up  and  down  rapidly 
a  distance  of  six  to  twelve  inches,  alternately  in  opposite  directions  to 
one  anotlier,  either  a  short  distance  apart  or  with  the  joints  touching. 
This  indicates  any  angry  contest  or  struggle  as  well  as  a  pitched  battle 
fought  with  weajions.     {^[anf^an  and  HUlatm  I.) 

The  arms  are  ecptally  fiexed,  as  in  position  of  defense.  Hands  are 
loosely  clenched  and  fists  rotated  in  ])almar  jtroximity  three  times  ;  the 
sign  is  completed  by  retaining  tlie  arms  and  fists  in  posture  for  defense 
about  three  seconds.  Hands  are  position  (B)  doubled  or  (B  B).  (Oto 
I.)     "  To  ward  off." 

Both  hands  at  height  of  breast,  palms  facing,  the  left  forward  from 
tilt!  left  shoulder,  the  right  outward  an<l  forward  from  the  right,  fingers 
pointing  uj)  and  spread,  move  them  alternately  towards  and  from  one 
another.     ( Ute  I.)     "  Mingling  of  men  in  strife." 

Place  both  hands  on  a  level  in  front  of  the  chest,  half  closed,  fingers 
poiiiting  downward,  the  backs  of  the  rigiit-hand  fingers  pointing  for- 
ward, those  of  the  left  facing  them,  iield  about  six  inches  apart,  the 
hands  are  then  quickly  moved  toward  and  from  one  another  several 
times.     (Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Vibrate  your  fingers,  implying  how  many 
soldiers ;  then  copy  the  manner  of  shooting  a  gun.    (Cross.) 


81 


Battle,  VVIiite  iiiair.s. 

Hotli  haiuls  clinched  witli  ball  of  tluimb  on  tlie  second  and  third  fin- 
gers, clinched  forefingers  of  each  hand  touching.  Then  push  the  hands 
from  yon,  letting  the  fingers  all  fly  outward  at  th(^  same  time,  as  if  you 
were  trying  to  f  row  water  off  your  fingers.  This  repeated  twice  or 
more,  according  to  the  severity  of  the  engagement.  {Comanche  I.) 
"Soldiers  standing  in  line  delivering  their  fire." 


Charge  and  counter-charge. 


m 


The  hands  are  held  as  in  the  sign  for  Battle,  ami  are  then  simulta- 
neously moved  from  and  toward  one  another.    (Mandan  and  Hidatna  I.) 

BeadM,  glass. 

Stroke  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  over  the  left  upper  arm.  ( Wied.) 
Do  not  remember.  A  sign  for  necklace  is  sometimes  made  by  cxteiuling 
the  tiiumb  and  index  finger  and  placing  them  against  the  throat.  {Mat- 
thews.) 

Tips  of  the  joilied  tiiumb  and  forefinger  left  hand  (others  closed),  wet 
by  touching  to  the  tougue,  are  passed  down  in  front  of  the  body,  as 
though  picking  uj)  loose  beads  from  the  laj),  and  then  hand  held  in  front 
of  the  left  breast,  horizontal,  back  outward,  tips  of  joined  thumb  and 
finger  toward  the  right,  and  then  the  right  hand,  with  thumb  and  fore- 
finger extended,  crooked  and  Joined  at  tips  (otiiers  closed),  as  though 
holding  a  sinew,  is  passed  toward  the  left,  to  and  over  tlie  left  hand 
as  though  passing  the  sinew  througii  the  beads.  {Dakota  1.)  "  From 
the  use  of  beads  in  embroidery." 

Bear,  animal. 

Pass  the  hand  before  the  face  to  mean  ugliness,  at  the  same  time 
griniung  i.iid  extending  the  fingers  like  claws.     {Burton.) 

(I)  Middle  and  third  finger  of  right  haiul  clasped  down  by  the  thumb, 
forefinger  and  little  finger  extended,  crooked  downward;  (2)  the  mo- 
tion of  scratching  made  in  the  air.    {Cheyenne  I.) 

Fingers  of  both  hands  closed,  except  the  little  finger,  which  is  exteiuled 
and  iminting  straight  towards  the  front,  thumbs  resting  on  the  backs  of 
the  second  phalanges  of  all  the  fingers,  haiuls  horizontal,  backs  upward, 
are  held  in  front  of  their  respective  sides  near  the  body,  and  then 
moved  directly  forward  with  short,  sharp  .jerking  motions.  {Dakota  I.) 
"  From  the  motion  of  the  bear  in  running." 

Grizzly. 


Right  hand  fiat  and  extended,  held  at  height  of  shoulder,  palm  for- 
ward, then  bring  the  palm  to  the  mouth,  lick  it  with  the  tongue,  and 
return  it  to  first  position.     {Omaha  1.)     "  Showing  blood  on  the  paw." 


iF 


!  'it 


is 


1  hi 


'  I 


H 


H2 

Seize  a  sliort  piccte  of  wood,  say  about  two  foet  long,  wave  in  the  right 
liaiid,  and  strike  a  blow  at  an  imaginary  person.     {Omaha  I.) 

Seize  a  sliort  thing  about  six  inches  long,  li(»ld  it  as  dagger,  pretend 
to  thrust  it  downward  under  the  breast  bone  repeatedly,  and  eactli  time 
farther,  grunting  or  gasping  in  <loing  so;  withdraw  the  stittk,  holding  it 
up,  and,  showing  the  blood,  point  to  the  breast  with  the  left  forelinger, 
meaning  to  say  m  do  thou  when  yon  meet  the  bear.     [Omaha  I.) 

Pretend  to  stab  yourself  with  an  arrow  in  varitms  i)arts  of  the  body, 
then  point  towards  the  body  with  the  left-hand  foretinger.     (Omaha  I.) 

Arms  are  tlexed  and  hands  elas]»ed  about  center  of  breast ;  then 
slowly  fall  witli  arms  jienduhHis  and  both  hands  in  position  of  (<|).  The 
sign  is  e(nni)Ieted  by  slowly  lifting  the  hands  and  arms  several  times  in 
iiiiitaiion  of  the  animal's  loeomotion. 

Movdiient  and  appearanee  of  aniiiiars  front  feet.     [Oto  I.) 

Hold  the  closi'd  right  hand  at  the  height  of  the  elbow  before  the  right 
side,  j>alm  downward,  extend  and  curve  the  tluimb  ami  little  hiiger  so 
that  their  tips  are  nearly  directed  toward  one  another  before  the  knuckles 
of  the  close<l  tiiigers ;  then  push  tlie  hand  forward  several  times.  {Kaioira 
I,  Comanche  III,  Apaehc  II,  Wichita  II.)     "  Paw  and  long  claws." 

Hold  both  closed  hands  before  the  body,  palms  down,  and  about  eight 
inches  apart;  reach  forward  a  short  distance,  relaxing  the  lingers  as  if 
grasping  something  with  them,  and  draw  them  back  again  as  the  hands 
are  withdrawn  to  their  former  position.  (Vte  I.)  "  Scratching,  and 
grasping  with  the  claws." 

The  right  hand  thrown  in  the  position  as  for  Hoi'ftie,  then  extend 
both  hands  with  tingers  extended  and  curved,  separated,  palms  down, 
and  imsh  them  forward  several  times  making  a  short  arch.  {Apache  I.) 
"The  animal  that  scratches  with  long  claws." 

BeaiMl,  whiskers. 

Place  the  back  of  the  wrist  under  the  chin,  spread  the  fingers  slightly, 
allowing  them  to  extend  downward  and  forward.     {Dalcota  VI,  VII.) 

Beavei*. 

With  the  back  of  the  open  right  hand,  strike  the  palm  of  the  left 
several  times.  (  Wieil.)  I  have  seen  this.  It  rei»resents  the  beaver 
striking  the  water  with  his  fiat  tail.  {Maftheics.)  The  arms  are  semi- 
flexed and  ai)proacli  the  body  with  the  hands  opened,  palms  down,  the 
right  over  and  above  tiie  left.  The  right  hand  finally  sweei)s  back  and 
is  lield  extended,  fiatly  open  in  position  of  animars  tail.  There  is  no 
similarity  in  the  execution  or  conception  of  this  sign  and  that  of  Wied; 


■M 


83 

tlio  <'oiiro])tion  in  tlio  Hifyii  ainoiiK'  tli<>  Otos  is  dear,  l»ut  tliat  tor  tlio 
latttT  (»l)S(Min'.    TJM'  ii('>;;lit  and  broad  tlat  tail  of  tlic  animal.    {liofehr.) 

Ih'scribc  a  i)ariMitli»'.sis  (  )  witli  tlic  tliunib  and  inch'x  of  Itotli  liands, 
and  tlion  with  tluMk'x tor  index  imitate  the  wa^-fiinyof  the  tail.  (IliirtoM.) 

(1)  Kight  hand  Hattenud  to  form  an  extension  of  forearm,  |talm  «lo\vn- 
ward  at  an  an;,'le  of  i'i°  to  the  body  ;  (2)  siuhleidy  slapped  (h)wn  two 
or  thret*  times.  (Cheyenne  I.)  ''  From  the  manner  in  which  the  beaver 
slaps  water  tr  nind." 

Both  hands  in  front  of  body,  tinjrers  extended,  horizontal  flat,  palms 
downward  (W),  ends  of  tinkers  i»ointinjt'  obliqnely  forward,  pat  the  baek 
of  first  one  liaml  and  then  the  other  s«'veral  times,  not  too  ra])idly. 
(Dakota  I.)  "These  Indians  believe  that  beavers  are  able  to  converse 
with  eadi  other  and  do  so  while  bnildinj;-  tlieir  dams  and  lodf>es.  The 
sijun,  however,  wonld  seem  to  come  from  the  noise  made  by  the  beavers 
in  ])atting  down  their  (hxms." 

Hold  the  left  hand,  palm  looking  obliqnely,  forward,  ontward  and  u))- 
ward,  a  foot  in  front  of  the  lower  i)art  of  the  chest,  and  strike  its  palm 
several  tiinew  with  the  back  of  the  open  iight  hand.     (Dakota  W.) 

Both  arms  are  semi-extended  and  the  hands  in  tyi)ei)osition  (W)  are 
held  right  above  left  to  represent  size  of  animal.  Hands  in  this  i)osition 
cxecnte  uniforady  a  creeping  movemc^nt  forwards,  then  right  hanu 
sweeps  to  back  of  body  and  is  extended  from  cocygeal  region  to  repre- 
sent the  broad,  tlat  tail.     [Oto  I.)     "Creeping  animal  with  Hat  tail." 

Hold  both  extended  tlat  hands,  palms  down,  side  by  side,  then  extend 
the  first  three  fingers,  separated,  the  little  fingers  and  thnmbs  closed 
and  the  hands  retaiinng  the  same  relative  position.  (Apache  1.)  "  Flat 
tail,  and  claws." 

Trap.    See  Trap. 


Before. 

Bring  the  hand  close  to  the  right  breast  (j?I)  with  palm  to  left,  fore- 
finger pointed  ontward ;  bring  left  hand  (iH  palm  inward)  in  front  of  and 
few  inches  from  the  breast,  move  right  hand  to  the  front  and  at  same 
time  move  the  left  toward  the  breast  slightly.  Alter  or  anemard 
is  done  by  having  the  hands  in  the  same  position  (;?!)  except  to  have 
palm  of  right  hand  down.  The  left  is  kept  stationary  and  the  right  is 
drawn  back,  (t'hei/enne  II.)  "The  left  hand  representing  an  imaginary 
line,  the  action  of  the  right  nnikes  it  the  front  or  before." 

llight  hand  moved  qnickly  forward  from  side  back  of  hand  in  Iront, 
the  hand  drawn  back  less  qnickly,  again  projected  forward  rapidly,  with 
slight  inclination  of  liead  and  body  forward.     (Ojibira  IV.) 


'T~7'' 


ii 


y 


y    i: 


;•!     !: 


34 

liOft  liaiwl  liclil  t<)r«>tlii;;ci'  strai^lit,  ii]ii'i;^lit,  piiliii  of  liiiii«l  outward 
(otlitT  liii^t'i's  closed)  ill  trout  of  liod,v  about  IS  iiiclu's,  and  tlini  tliu 
ri;ilit  hand  la-Id  in  the  .saiiici  iiiHiincrcloHo  totlic  bod ^v  on  the  same  level. 
(Ihikota  I.) 

Close  the  tin^^ers  of  the  ri^ht  hainl,  thumb  erossiii);  the  middle  linger, 
iinlex   extended,   |>alin    forward,   thriist    the    hand    forward    forcibly. 

(O)U(ilin  1.) 

doiiif,'  before  or  jiassiiifj  another  person. 

Mov(*  both  lin;;ers  ii|>  and  <lowiiand  awa.v  from  the  body  on  the  same 
line,  but  allowin;;  tiie  rifjht  to  ;>'aiii  on  and  tinally  pass  the  left.  [Ihikota 
I.)  "From  tiie  idea  of  beinji  or  {join^  before  or  ahead  of  another  person 
in  walkiiifj;  or  aiiytliin}^  else.     A  derivative  of  superior." 

In  place;  ahea<l ;  sui)erior. 


The  hands  are  held  hori/ontally,  in  front,  backs  upward,  parallel 
about  an  inch  apart,  the  foreliii{'ers  only  (extended.  The  rij^ht  hand  is  then 
advanc<'d  before  the  left,  usually  about  a  tlnger's  len{;tli;  but  the  distance 
may  be  increased  or  diminished  to  express  def^ree.  This  sign  is  to  be 
considered  in  connection  with  those  for  behind  or  inferior,  and  hexide  or 
eqKtil.  The\  all  refer  to  the  relative  jiosition  of  objects  in  sjiace  but  to 
ditferent  degrees  of  (piality.  €/OIII|>ai*iMOII  is  expressed  by  these  signs. 
Changes  of  position — as  horses  in  a  race — are  shown  by  changes  in  the 
position  of  the  hands.    (Manthtn  and  Jliddtna  I.) 

In  time. 


Same  sign  as  for  Time,  lon^S  and  ixhorf,  but  in  referring  to  length 
of  time,  as  to  the  previous  day,  or  i»revious  month,  etc.,  the  hands  are 
drawn  apart  carelessly  about  ten  or  twelve  inches,  (piickly,  the  absence 
of  any  hastii  indicating  a  longer  time,  and  consequently  ai)plicable  to 
matters  referring  to  n  longer  period.  (Kaiowa  1 ;  Vomanvhe  111 ;  Apache 
II;    Wichita  II.) 

Beg,  Bt'ftsni*. 

First  make  the  sign  tor  Lodg'e,  entering'  u,  and  then  the  sigu 
for  Give  te  me.    (Ihikota  I  ) 

First  make  the  sign  for  l^ive  to  me,  and  then  the  sign  for  iflan 
or  Woman,  as  the  case  imiy  be.    Lodg'e,  entering^  a,  can  be 

added   or  not.      {Dakota  I.)      "From  an  Indian  going  from  lodge  to 
lodge  asking  for  tilings." 

Begone.    See  Cro. 

Beginning.    Com  meneement. 

1  he  right  hand  horizontal,  with  lingers  arched  (B)  back  of  hand  up- 
ward, of  lingers  obliquely  downward  and  outward,  is  pushed  out  in  front 


1 


■^ 


i 


I 


35 

of  tlic  riylit  hiciist  1111(1  (Iniwii  back  to  iniffiiial  |K)sitioii  twi»  or  tlir»'e 
tlm^•^^.  (Dakotft  I.)  "(roiii)?  to  do  it.  (loiiifj  to  coiiuiK'iice  uiiytliiiitf. 
OoiiiK  alit'ii(l,'l»ii»liiiif,'  tliiiijjs." 

He  hi  ml. 

Ihiii;;  hotli  hands  in  front  of  tlio  breast  {^l  \y,i\n\H  down),  the  foro- 
HnuiTs  n»'arto;,'»'tln'i'  jtointinj;  to  front;  inov«'  tlii'  ri^'lit  .sudd«Mdy  to  rear 
ft'W  inclu's,  tlu'  loft  n'lnains  still.  In  doscribint,'  a  person  bein;;  left 
farther  and  farther  to  the  rear,  keep  moving'  the  riyht  a  couple  in<'hes 
or  8o  at  a  move  nntil  you  make  threeor  four  moves  back.    {CheifcHiie  II.) 

rtanie  motion  as  Bd'oi'l*  repeated  by  swinyinp  the  hand  backwards 
from  thi^jfh,  with  quickened  motion  as  tiiehand  went  back.  {Ojibicn  IV.) 

Foretln<;er  of  the  ri;rht  hand,  straitj:ht,  ti|»ri},'ht  (others  closed)  i>alm 
of  hand  outward  is  drawn  from  in  front  of  and  on  a  level  with  the 
shoulder,  behind  the  Inwly  on  as  near  a  straijiiit  line  as  possible  and 
with  forelintrer  jtointinn  uprij-ht.  [Dakota  I.)  "  Reverse  of  vToinff  be- 
fore.    He  is  still  falliiif;  Iteiiind  me." 

With  its  index  exteiuled,  pointing  backward,  over  the  rifjfht  shoulder, 
back  ui>ward,  jtush  the  ri;;ht  hand  backward  about  four  inches  from  just 
in  front  of  the  shoulder,     (fhikota  IV.) 

Inferior.     (Compare  Ahead.) 

Place  the  hands  in  the  sanu'  position  as  for  ahead,  except  that  the 
right  hand  is  behind  the  left,  (.  c,  nearer  the  body.  (.}fan(lnn  and  Hi 
datm  I.) 

I'lace  the  spread  rij,'ht  hand  behind  the  body,  moving  the  hand  slightly 
a  little  uj)  and  down,  and  back  and  forth.     (Omaha  I.) 

The  left  arm  is  Hexed  and  hand  upright  with  hooked  index  (as  in  I 
1 — moditied  by  the  hand  being  held  edgewise)  is  brought  before  the 
face.  The  right  Hst  is  then  brought  to  the  same  i)osition  and  the  jialms 
face  each  i  lier.  The  left  hand  remains  before  the  fa<!e,  but  the  right 
fist  is  swept  back  past  the  right  side  with  the  index  finger  extended  as 
in  type  J.     {Oto  1).     "  What  I  have  gone  by." 

Belong.    See  PoMMesMion. 

Below,  iiiidei*. 

Made  like  the  sign  for  abOTe,  with  this  exception — thjit  all  move- 
ment is  made  by  the  left  or  lower  hand,  I  he  right  being  held  motionless, 
palm  downward,  ami  the  eyes  looking  down.     {Dodge.) 

Place  the  right  baud,  by  a  descending  motion,  jast  ander  the  left 
hand,  both  extended,  fingers  joined  and  palms  down.     [Arapaho  1.) 


Aid' 


1 

n 

i 

i 

j 

''h 


It    ' 


M. 


i  ■■Ij  ji; 


!! 

i' 


SiMiio.  motion  as  AI>o>'('  witli  liaiid  starting  from  al)ov(>  Icvi'l  of 
I'lhow,  liiijjt'r  |)ojiitiii^  down,  rest  firntly  clowd.     (OJU'tra  IV.) 

Same  as  ylhovc,  only  «lra\v  tliu  ri^^lit  hand  a  considerable  distance 
below  the  left.     {Piikota  I.) 

Sif^n  can  also  be  made  with  one  hand  by  the  reverse  of  the  movements 
in  Above*  (Ihihotd  I.)  "  Refer  to  the  person  below  or  under  by  mov- 
inj;  that  (inj^er  and  hand  which  rei)resnits  the  under  person,  animal, 
or  thin;;.     Inferior  heij/ht,  variant  of  superior." 

IJoth  hands  are  extended  opeii  as  in  tyjie  W.  The  hands  are  then 
approximated  edjiewise  and  the  left  is  sui)erimposed,and  swept  palm  over 
back  of  rifiht.  Hoth  hands  now  diverge  and  arms  are  extend«'d  from 
the  ri^ht  and  left  sides — palms  down.  The  rijjht  hand  is  now  broufiht 
forward  as  in  type  (I  1) — modilied  by  index  beinj;  uiore  extende«l,  and 
describes  a  (luiidranl's  arc  towards  the  ground.  ((Vo  1.)  "The  vast 
de|»ths  into  which  all  suddeidy  fall." 

Place  the  Hat  !"ft  hansl  in  tVont  of  the  body,  i)alm  down,  fJnj;ers  di- 
rected toward  the  rif>ht ;  place  the  Hat  rif,dit  hiind,  jKiIm  down,  below  the 
left,  the  jj^reiitcu"  the  distance  the  hands  are  moved  apart  the  greater 
the  dipths  to  which  allusion  is  made,     {('tc  I.) 

lioll. 

.Motion  (»f  putting  a  belt  anaind  the  body  with  thumb  and  forelinj'er 
of  bot!i  hands  (»n  their  respective  sides  of  body — thumb  and  fon'linyer 
llshaped,  pointing-  inward  and  carried  around  liu*  sides  of  body  to  the 
tVont.  other  tin{;ers  of  both  hands  closed  [Dukota  1.)  '*  From  the 
placing;  of  the  belt." 

IIcmmIc,  equal.    Hee  Maine. 

Bift'.     In  the  sei:se  of  llro.'Kl  or  Flat. 

\\\\\\\i  both  hands  in  front  of  breast,  palms  down,  theu  extend  them 
forward  to  lenjith  of  arms  and  sweej)  uound  outwards,  on  a  level.  For 
small  extent,  the  hands  indicate  a  less  extemled  arc  or  circle.  (Ojihwa 
IV.) 

The  rij,l.t  hand  \a  held  horizoiiral,  extended  and  Hat,  itoiiitinrf' forward. 
A  slijiiit  arched  (mu  v;'  from  r!j;ht  to  lei't  is  nuide  at  whatever  height  .he 
speaker  wi.shes  to  indicate.     (Aixiclte  I,) 

Ih'o/mutr  H<it>;r<il  Hif/H. — IMacc  the  hands  near  each  other  and  move 
them  ai»art.     Jialiurd.) 

In  tiie  sense  of  lli;;ii  as  a  hill, 

A',  a.scendinj;-  moti«Mi  of  tii(>  extended  hand,  fingers  Joined,  palm 
down,  outii;'.iii|_'  and  indicating  relative  height.    (Araptiho^l,) 


37 


(1)  J{<)tli  liiiiuls  nnclosotl,  bioiijilit  to  tlio  fVoiit  of  clicst,  |)iilm.s/ii(!iii}jf 
oiicli  (ttlier,  n;;Iit  liiiiid  above  Iclt  and  olcvatotl  to  level  of  eliiii ;  (2) 
riglit  liaiid  earried  upwards  in  proportion  to  tlie  (Ie;iree  of  lieifjlit  to  bo 
expressed     [('ItvycKnc  I.) 

liaise  tli(M'xt(Mid«'d  hand,  tinK«'r.s  joined,  i»ahn  down  ami  liorizontul, 
to  tlie  proi»er  or  j>reatest  i»()ssil)le.  eUnaMon.     [Antixtlio  I.) 

Witli  tlie  t'oreiin;-er  of  the  ri^jht  hand  strai^-lit,  upriylit  (.1),  carry  it 
strai^lit  upward  in  trout  of  the  body  above  tiie  hea<l  as  !ii«h  as  tlie  ex- 
tended arm  will  n'aeh.  This  would  indicate  a  mountain,  and  les.M'r  de- 
firees  of  arm  extension  would  denote  lesser  lieijihts.  {DuUotn  I.)  "(ireat 
hi^h — a  mountain." 

nmfmnic  iialitral  .v(V/w,s.— Hij-h—Movt*  the*  hand  upward.    (lioHani) 
K'ai.se  the  hand  above  the  head.     {L(trsoii.) 

In  the  sense  of  l.ar^T  .'iroiiiid. 

(1)  Motion  for  ividlli  exeept  that  the  elbows  are  noi  pressed  against 
the  sides,  but  the  arms  ami  hands  are  extended  .md  oive  a  eiirved  form 
as  thoufih  elaspinj;-  some  larj-e  object;  (2)  motion  made  to  increase  or 
enhn ).;('  the  circle  in  proportion  to  tli(!  size  to  bo  expressed.    (Clici/nim;  I.) 

Indicate  the  f-eneral  outlines,  and  in  the  dir«"cti(.n  lIuM-eot  extend 
boih  liauds,  palms  towards  each  otln-r,  to  the  reipiired  or  greatest  |)0s- 
sible  distance  apart.     (Anipalio  I.) 

i'aims  facing,  and  moved  apart  farther  and  farther  by  jerk.s.  lOnin- 
ha  I.)  •    •  V 


La  rye, 


Th;-  opened  u|.ri«ht  hand.s,  palii.s  tiK-iuf.-,  Iin«'ers  rel; 
8ei)i'.rated,  beintr  at  the  hei-ht  of  the  hnsist  and  about 
separate  them  to  nearlv  arm's  I 


enj^th.     {Ihilcota  \\.) 


Ikuf- 


rnuit:  iititiiral  si!i„.s.~V]-Mv  tlie  hand 


ward  palm,  and  nu)ve  then 
cheeks.     {Jlallard.) 


s  near  eat 


ixed  and  slijihtly 
two  feet  ai>art, 


other  palm  to- 


1  apart,  and  at  the  same  time  disteiidiif'-  th 


I'oini 


your  fri  ycr  at  your  cl-est  and  f 


ice  expandcii.     (Crass.) 


Move  both  open  hands  IV 


each  other,  and,  at  tl 


oineiich  other  with  the  palms  looking' t 


round  by  blowing- against  tl 


If  sauK.  tune,  cause  (he  cheeks  to   look   1 


lem.     (Iltisnishih.) 


oward 
and 


»iii' 


otretch  out  the  hands.     (/. 


iirsDit.) 


In  tin*  sense  of  liOli;;-. 

(1)  Mauds  bnuifih)  upward  an<l  to  ih, 
itnd  tiiumbs  of  both  brouffht  Joyeth   :  as  tl 


e  front  of  the  IxmIv-  forell 


nj-er 


iouf,di  «:raspin.-  the  ends  (.f 


11 


:  I 


iri' 


r  i\ 


Ill 


r?# 


!-;■ 

'  1 

i 

I      : 

II 'f  i' 


38 

striiifj»  (li)  siiddeiilj'  drawn  apart  in  ])roi)ortion  to  the  length  to  be  ex- 
pressed.    [Cheyenne  I.) 

Deaf  .nute  natural  sUpis. — Direct  the  forefinger  downward  and  extend 
it  forward  toward  a  distant  point.     (liaUartl.) 

Point  to  tlie  land,  if  the  land  is  intended,  with  the  finger;  then  move 
horizontally  the  ontstretched  hand  along  the  line,  which  describet  an 
ellipse.     (f'/v*«.v.) 

Having  held  the  liands,  the  pahns  tonehing  each  other,  separate  them 
by  moving  tliem  in  a  straight  line,  showing  how  far  ai)art.     (Cross.) 

Stretch  ont  the  arm,  at  the  same  time  place  the  forefinger  on  the 
shonlder.     (Zeigler.) 

In  the  sense  of  Loil^,  in  extent. 

Piisli  tlie  ojtened  right  hand,  palm  toward  the  left,  from  the  lower  part 
of  the  chest  njnvird  to  about  a  foot  above  the  head.     (J^akota  IV.) 

Deaf-mute  , ntural  signs. — By  moving  the  hands  apart.     (Batlard.) 

Stretch  ont  both  arms  in  a  straight  line.     {Larson.) 

In  the  sense  of  Wide. 

( 1 )  Klbows  close  to  side,  forearm  and  open  flattened  hands  extended, 
piilms  facing  and  nearly  touching  each  other  ;  (2)  separated  in  propor- 
tion to  tlie  degree  of  width  to  be  represented.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

(1)  Hands  extended  to  front  of  body,  open  to  fullest  extent,  but 
fingers  and  tiiumbs  coutigaous,  palms  up  little  fingers  of  each  hand 
touching;  (2)  gradually  moved  apart  Vi  proportion  to  the  size  of  the 
surface  to  be  represented.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

Bring  both  hands  to  the  front  of  the  body,  on  the  same  level  and 
close  together,  fingers  and  thumbs  extended,  jyalms  downward  (W), 
fingers  pointing  forwanl,  with  botli  hands  on  the  same  level,  nmke  a 
sidewise  movement  w  ith  the  left  to  nearly  its  arm's  full  extent,  but  only 
move  the  right  a  few  indies.     {Dakota  I.) 

Tliis  sign  resembles  tliat  for  Bij;',  in  the  sense  of  Flat.  {Dakota  I.) 
"A  broad,  level  piece  of  land." 

Both  hands  brought  togetlier  in  fmut  of  breast,  with  a  curvod  mo- 
tioii,  hands  horizontal.  Hat,  palm  downward  {\¥).  Ends  of  fingers 
pointing  toward  tlie  front  are  then  carried  out  sidewise,  with  a  curved 
downward  motion  to  their  natural  positions.  {Dakota  I.)  "Covering  a 
large  surface." 

Place  both  Hat  hands  side  by  side  before  the  breast,  palms  down,  then 
pass  them  horizontally  outward  toward  their  respective  sides.  {Dakota 
VI,  VII.) 

Deaf-mute  ,ntturai  sUjn. — I'ut  the  palms  of  the  hands  near  each  other 
and  then  nunc  tlieiii  far  apart.     {Ballard.) 


■  -*,i 


'?% 


39 


1.) 


lier 


Bird. 

Tlit^  hands  are  tiapped  near  the  shonUlers.  If  siJeciHcation  be  re- 
quired, the  cry  is  imitated  or  some  iiecidiarity  is  introduced.     (Burton.) 

(1)  Both  hands  open  to  fullest  extent,  palms  dovnward,  brought  to 
level  of  and  a{,'ainst  the  chest,  forefinger  pointing  away  from  chest ;  (li) 
pushed  forward  and  downw'.rd  and  withdrawn  with  a  curve  motion,  as 
the  motion  of  wings  in  tiying.     {Cheyenne  1.) 

The  front  outline  will  represent  the  sign.  Both  arms  are  elevated 
and  t'exed  at  ri'jfht  angles  to  the  shoulders,  the  arms  are  then  made  to 
diverge,  and  in  ]>osition  W  made  to  tlap  or  waver  to  and  from  the  body 
after  the  manner  of  the  wings  of  a  bird.  (Oto  and  }iissoiirl  I.)  "That 
has  wings  or  tlies  by  them." 

BiMOii,  hiiflalo. 

Tlie  two  forefingers  are  i)laced  near  the  ears,  projecting,  so  as  to 
represent  tlie  horns  of  the  animal,     [fjong.) 

liaise  the  forefingers  crooked  inward,  in  the  semblance  of  hoins,  on 
both  sides  of  the  head,     {ourton.) 

Lower  the  head  and  project  the  forefingers  from  their  respective  sides 
of  the  head,  like  horns.     {Anqmho  1.) 

•    Both  hands  elevated  to  or  toward  the  sides  of  the  head,  forefinger  of 
each  crooked  oblicjuely  forward  to  represent  horns.     [Cheyenne  I.) 

I'.oth  hands  tightly  closed,  leaving  the  forefingers  oidy  extended  and 
curved  ;  phtce  the  fists  before  the  chest,  about  ten  inches  a])art,  |»alm8 
facing,  and  forefingers  above.  {Abmrol  i  I;  yShoshoui  and  lianak  I.) 
"  Horns." 

Jioth  hands  raised  to  the  sides  (>f  the  head  in  front  of  ears,  back  of 
hands  looking  forward,  forefingers  crooki-,1  backward,  rest  of  fingers 
dosed,  thumb  resting  on  second  finger.  [Dakota  I.)  "Horns  of  the 
buffalo." 

Both  hands  closed  except  fVn-efinger,  and  then  ai)plied  to  eadi  temple, 
with  the  latter  pointinga  little  forward.    [Dakota  II.)    "  Horns  of  animal." 

Semi-flex  the  forefingers,  loos-ely  close  the  others,  thumbs  either  under 
the  middle  tir.gers  (U-  against  them,  and  place  the  hands  upright,  backs 
outward, 'one  on  each  side  of  the  head,  near  it  or  against  it,  above  and 
just  in  front  of  the  ears,  then  move  the  hands  suddenly  forward  a  couple 
of  inches.    {Dakota  IV.)     "  The  iiorns  of  the  buffalo.'' 

All  the  digits  of  both  hands  are  completely  tiexed  except  the  forefin- 
gers, and  these  are  sliglitly  curved ;  each  hand,  back  outwards  and  held 
obliquely  outwards  and  upward.s,  is  brought  in  contact  with  the  temple 


w 


i  I 


I 

[i 

f! 


I 


i 


40 

of  tlie  siiiiR'  silk'  at  llu'  wrist.     [Mnudun  und  llidaUa  1.)     "Thus  the 
lioniK  of  th(^  aiiiiiiiil  iiro  iiidiciiti'd.'" 

Siiiiie  sif^ii  as  for  C^altle.     (Wo  I.) 

IJoth  hands,  Hatteiicd,  sli{>htl.v  arched,  and  tlexed  at  the  wrists,  are 
hohl  as  hi{>li  as  the  ears  and  over  tiie  sliouhlers  pointinj;'  backwards, 
then  incline  the  liead  to  the  front  and  ((uickly  throw  the  liands  upward 
a  short  distance.  {Kdioira  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  11.) 
"Tlie  liuniped  shouhlers  an«l  motion  of  the  animal.'' 

BlMOII,  (ieneric. 

Close  both  hands  htosely,  extending  and  crooking  the  fbretingers, 
place  them  several  inches  from  either  temple.    {Ute  1.) 

r.utVah.  calf. 

I'lace  the  fists  upright,  backs  outward,  with  the  thumbs  strongly  ex- 
tended a:  ■  .('  *!ie  ears  near  the  head,  and  shake  them  back  and  forth  sev- 
eral times  (  ite  the  shaking  of  a  calf's  ears.     [Dakota  IV.) 

Same  sign  as  lor  Bllflhio  cow,  but  made  as  low  as  tlic  waist,  and 
the  hands  are  moved  slightly  forward  and  backward.  {Kaioira  l;  Co- 
manche III ;  Apache  II  ;   Wichita  II.) 

Female. 

Curve  the  two  forefingers,  phuH^  them  on  the  sides  of  the  head,  and- 
move  them  s(?veial  times.  (  Wied.)  I  have  given  you  a  similar  sign  for 
the  liison  without  regard  to  sex,  except  that  I  do  not  mention  any 
motion  of  tiie  hands  after  they  are  placed  in  the  position  ot  horns,  and  I 
do  not  remember  seeing  such  motion.     {Matthews.) 

Same  sign  as  made  by  ^hotihoni  and  Croics.  When  this  sign  is  made 
before  the  [>erHon  it  signifies  both  sexes,  without  special  reference  to 
either.     (Kaioiral;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;   Wichita  II.) 

Male. 

IMace  the  aghtly-closed  hands  on  both  sides  of  the  head  with  the  fin- 
gers forward.  (  Wied.)  If  he  does  not  mean  to  describe  the  same  sign 
(minus  the  motion)  as  in  Bison^fcmale,  I  know  not  what  he  does  nu'an. 
I  have  seen  but  one  sign  for  Buffalo  (which  I  am  certain  was  generic), 
and  I  opine  that  oiu'  sign  was  all  the  Prince  saw.  The  movements  he 
speaks  of  in  liison,  female,  may  have  been  unnecessary  or  accidental. 
Vd<litional  signs  are  used  to  indicate  sex  when  necessary.  {Matthews.) 
It  is  conjecturcfl  that  WiciVs  sign  for  the  Male  buffalo  indicates  the  short, 
stubl)y  horns,  and  that  for  the  Female,  the  ears  seen  nu)ving,  not  being 
covered  by  the  shock  unine  of  the  male. 

Bite,  To. 

Thund)  of  right  hand  extended,  fore  and  secoml  fingers  also  exteiuled, 
joined,  and  sliglitly  arched,  thumb  separated  from  fingers  (other  fingers 


41 


'"I 


closed),  liaiul  hot-izontal  or  oblitniely  upwards,  cdfjc  of  hand  downward, 
the  arm  exteiide<l  to  nearly  full  capacity  in  front  of  rijjht  breast,  quickly 
draw  the  fin^jers  against  the  tliunib  several  times,  at  the  same  time  draw 
the  arm  in  toward  the  body.  {Dakota  I.)  '-  From  the  snapping  bite  of 
dojjs.    The  two  .jaws  in  motion." 

Blanket.    See  Clothing-. 

Blind. 

First  touch  the  dosed  eyes  with  the  tips  of  the  exten<led  fore  and 
se(!ond  tinjjers  of  rifjht  hand,  back  upward  (other  rtuj^en)  closed),  then 
turn  the  hand  and  make  the  sijjn  for  Seeing  as  contained  in  Look« 
and  then  the  si(;n  for  J¥one  or  ■  have  none  as  coiitained  in  IVone. 
(Dakota  I.)     "  I  have  no  sight." 

BPoofl. 

Kifjht  hand  with  thumb  extended  and  jiointing  upward,  fingers  ex- 
tended and  .sei>arated  as  much  as  possible  and  pointing  obliquely  up- 
ward and  downward,  is  brought  along  the  body  in  front  to  the  mouth, 
where  it  is  carried  forward  for  a  few  inches  with  a  downward  curved 
motion,  back  of  hand  toward  the  right.  (Dakota  1.)  "  From  a  buftalo 
when  seriously  wounded  standing  and  spirting  blood  from  the  mouth 
or  nose. 


V 


Both  hands  with  fingers  collected  at  the  palm  i)oints  are  brought  to 
the  temples.  The  lingers  are  then  suddenly  Hipped  outward.  The  right 
arm  is  then  elevated  and  the  index-finger  aud  thumb  brought  to  the  nose 
and  made  to  drop  in  jerks  to  the  ground.  (Oto  and  Minsouri  I.)  "That 
which  pulsates  in  the  temples  and  drops  from  the  nose." 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  and  second  fingers  only  ex- 
tended, then  draw  the  palmar  surface  across  the  lips  from  left  to  right. 
(Kaiowal;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;   Wichita  M.) 

Boat,  row. 

Make  with  both  hands  raised  to  the  level  of  the  shoulders  the  forward 
and  backward  motions  as  though  rowing  a  boat.     (Dakota  I.) 

Bring  the  iiands  together,  lioUowed,  little  fingers  Joining,  the  thuiubs 
farther  ajiart,  to  represent  the  body  of  a  boat,  held  before  the  breast. 
(Omaha  I.) 

Canoe. 

Both  hands  at  the  same  side  of  body,  one  above  the  other,  make  the 
movement  of  using  a  paddle  first  at  one  side  of  the  body  and  then  at 
the  other.    (Dakota  L)    "  From  the  manner  of  using  the  oars  and  paddle." 

Make  the  motion  of  paddling.     (Iroquois  I.) 

Body. 

The  han<ls  with  the  fingers  pointed  to  the  lower  part  of  the  body  are 
then  drawn  upwards.     (Dnnhar.) 
U 


N^ 


42 

Hotli  hands,  backs  ontwiird,  (.'arolesaly  lowered  to  front  and  sides  of 
ihifjlis,  foreKnffens  extended,  tips  slightly  touehin}''  the  thi{,'hs,  then  draw 
rapidly  upward  alonj?  the  sides  of  the  body,  and  out  toward  the  shouhlers. 
{Cheyenne  I.) 

Iloiliiii?. 

Sanui  as  tlie  sifju  for  lire,  heat  beinj;  the  idea.    (Dakota  I.)       • 

Bold.     Imprudent;  rash. 

Bohl  is  included  ni  Brurt;  Rashness  or  imprudence  cannot  be  sejtara- 
ted  from  Brare,  as  the  distinction  is  too  tine  a  one  for  the  Indian's 
comprehension.     {Dakota  I.) 

Book. 

Place  the  right  palm  upon  the  left  palm,  and  then  open  both  before 
the  face.    {liurton.) 

(1)  Both  liands  brought  to  a  reading  distance  and  made  to  represent 
a  book  open,  or  much  as  it  would  be  while  holding  it  in  the  haml  and 
reading,  little  fingers  not  touciiing;  (li)  motion  made  witii  the  face  and 
eyes  as  though  intently  reading.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

Make  with  the  right  hand  at  the  right  side  of  the  body  the  move- 
ments of  using  the  pen  in  writing,  and  then  carry  the  hand  to  the  front 
of  the  breasts,  where  the  left  hand  is  held  horizontal  with  fingers 
extended,  pointing  outward,  palm  upward  (X),  and  close  the  right  hand 
with  palm  down,  fingers  extended,  &c.  (W),  on  the  left,  as  though 
closing  an  open  book.  First  part  of  the  sign  denotes  writing.  {Dakota 
I.)   "  From  the  act  of  closing  an  open  book." 

J3oth  arms  are  elevated  and  semi-extended,  with  the  hands  open  and 
parallel  before  +lie  face;  palms  upward;  the  eyes  directed  intently  there- 
in. The  riglit  hand  is  then  raised  and  turned  into  a  modified  position 
(B),  and  seemingly  writes  in  the  open  palm  of  the  left.  The  hands  are 
then  reai)proxi mated  in  position  (X)  before  the  face  and  approach  and 
diverge  as  in  the  optMiing  and  closing  of  a  book's  leaves.  The  thickness 
is  indicated  by  holding  the  right  hand  at  the  desired  distance  above 
the  left,  open.  {Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  '' Something  written  that  opens 
and  closes  fiom  which  we  read." 

Bone. 

Make  the  sign  for  the  animal  to  which  the  bone  belongs,  and  then 
ton(!h  the  jtarticular  ])artor  jdace  in  the  body  to  which  the  bone  belongs. 
{Dakota  I.)     "  Locating  the  bone." 

Born,  To  he. 

IMace  the  left  han<l  in  front  of  the  body,  a  little  to  the  right,  the  i)alm 
downward  and  slightly  arched ;  pass  the  extended  right  hand  down- 
ward, forward,  and  upward,  forming  a  short  curve  underneath  the  left. 
{ Dakota  V.)     "  This  is  based  upon  the  curve  followed  by  the  head  of 


1 


.43 

tlio  (!liil(l  timing'  birth,  and  is  u.sod  (jenerknUy.'"  Tlie  sifjii,  with  additions, 
nifuns  "fatliiT,"  "  inc.flicr,"  "yrandpaioiit,"  but  its  oxiiuiyatod  form 
ainonj-'  the  French  deaf'-niutcs  moans  "parentage"  fienerically,  for  whi(!h 
term  there  is  a  s]»eeial  sij^n  reported  from  our  Indians.  See  Parent- 
age ( Ihuhje). 

Pass  the  Hat  riglit  Imnd  downward,  forward,  and  upward  in  front  of 
the  lower  portion  of  the  abdomen  and  pubis.     (I)nhota  VI.) 

Pass  the  ri{«ht  Imnd,  naturally  relaxed,  downward  from  the  lower  part 
of  the  chest,  forward  from  the  jmbia,  and  ujtward  a  short  distance,  form- 
ing a  curve  with  the  convexity  downward.  {Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III; 
rte  I;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

Hold  the  extended  left  hand  transversely  in  front  of  the  lower  portion 
of  the  abdomen,  about  eif;ht  inches  in  front  of  it,  and  siifihtly  arched, 
then  i)ass  the  Hat  rijiht  imnd  downward  between  the  body  and  the  left 
hand,  forward  and  sli<;htly  upward  beyond  it.  (Apache  I.)  "Tiie  left 
hand  rejjresents  the  i)ubic  arcii ;  the  right,  the  curve  of  Cams." 

Bottle. 

Denote  the  size  of  the  bottle  on  the  upheld  left  forearm  by  drawing 
across  the  edge  of  the  right  hand  with  fingers  extended  and  palm 
downward,  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Drinking.  {Dakota  I.) 
"  From  driidiing  out  of  a  bottle." 

Tlie  left  arm  is  semi-extended  before  the  body,  and  the  hand  is  held 
u]t  witii  the  tingers  collected  up  and  down  as  in  (E),  nunc  horizontal ;  the 
index  and  thuml)  make  a  circle.  A  small  bottle  is  re]nesented  by  the 
right  index  extended  sawing  on  the  knuckle-joint  of  the  left  index.  {Oto 
anil  Missouri  I.)     "The  shai)e  and  grasp  of  the  bottle." 


Bow 


,  weapon. 


The  left  hand  being  a  little  extended,  the  rigiit  hand  touches  it  and 
makes  the  motion  of  drawing  the  cord  of  the  bow.     (Dunbar.) 

The  hands  are  placed  as  in  the  attitude  of  drawing  the  arrow  in  the 
bow.     (Loufi.) 

Draw  the  right  arm  back  comi)letcly,  as  if  drawing  the  bowstring, 
while  the  left  arm  is  extended  with  clinched  hand.  (  Wied.)  There  is 
a  similarity  of  concei)tion  in  the  sign  given  by  me  (Oto  and  Missouri  I) 
and  Wicd's,  but  in  execution  tlie  latter  represents  almost  identically  the 
the  Oto  sign  for  "  To  shoot  an  Arrow."     (lioteler.) 

Jlsike  the  movement  of  bending  it.    (Burton.) 

(I)  Left  hand  sligiitiy  closed  as  tiiough  grasping  bow,  and  middle 
tinger  of  right  hand  within  three  or  four  inches  of  the  left  hand  and 
ai)parently  grasping  a  string;  (2)  drawn  two  or  three  times  in  imitation 
of  drawing  a  bow-string.     (Cheyenne  I.) 


PI  i- 


In  fi 


t  • 


44 

Draw  buck  the  riplit  liaiid  from  the  left,  held  in  front  of  the  ImmI.v,  as 
thoiiKh  «lrii\viu}j  hack  the  arrow  fixed  in  the  string'  of  the  bow. 
{Dakota  I.)     "  From  the  drawinjj  of  the  bow." 

Incline  the  head  a  little  toward  the  riglit;  raise  the  nearly  closed  left 
hand,  back  outward  to  the  heiffht  of  the  shoulder,  nearly  at  arm's 
length  forward,  and  while  pushing  the  left  hand  ahead  and  a  little  to- 
ward the  left,  draw  the  nearly  closed  right  hand,  its  back  outward  from 
near  it  ba(!kward  and  toward  riglit,  as  if  drawing  the  bow.     ( Dakota  IV.) 

Tlie  left  fist,  back  forward,  thumb  upward,  is  held  a  foot  or  two  in  front 
of  the  chest  as  if  grasping  a  bow.  The  right  liand,  with  thund)  upward, 
the  tinger  tips  forward  and  two  or  more  of  them  in  contact  with  the 
thumb  (position  of  holding  the  string),  is  held  a  few  inches  behind  the 
left  hand.  Then  a  slight  motion  backwards  of  the  right  hand  may  or 
may  not  be  made.     {Mamlan  and  Hidatm  I.) 

The  left  arm  was  then  slightly  bent  and  extended  antero  laterally  from 
the  body.  In  this  position  it  is  made  to  resemble  the  shape  of  a  bow. 
The  position  of  the  hand  is  variable  and  unim])ortant,  but  it  is  generally 
clinched  as  in  (D),  probably  to  re|)resent  the  holding  of  the  bow-stringj 
as  it  is  always  secured  at  the  end  of  the  bow.  The  right  hand  is 
sometimes  api)roximated,  as  in  setting  an  arrow.  [Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 
"The  shape  of  the  bow  and  its  use." 

To  draw  tiie. 

The  hands  are  held  as  in  the  sigh  for  Bow,  then  the  I'ight  hand  is 
moved  backwards  a  foot  or  more  as  in  the  act  of  drawing  a  bo"'.  \Iii- 
datsa  I.) 

To  shoot  or  kill  with  the. 


Hold  the  left  tist,  back  outward,  nearly  at  arm's  length  forward,  point 
toward  it  with  the  right  index,  palm  inward,  from  in  front  of  the  right 
shoulder;  then  drop  the  left  hand  and  after  hooking  the  right  thumb 
over  the  fingers  of  right  hand,  suddenly  let  them  fly  forward.  (Da- 
kota IV.) 

Bon  I. 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Kettle,  except  the  latter  part  of  the  sign  in- 
dicating placing  it  on  the  fire.     (Dakota  I.) 

The  distinction  is  not  a  fine  one  between  Kettle,  Bucket,  Cup,  Bowl, 
Basin,  &c.,  and  either  of  tlujm  may  be  iiulicated  in  the  same  sign,  but 
the  connection  in  which  the  sign  is  used  is  generally  sufficient  to  denote 
the  particular  article  to  which  reference  is  made.  (Dakota  l.)  "From 
its  use." 

Bo\. 

Designate  size  of  box  on  the  uj)lield  left  arm  by  drawing  the  edge  of 


M 


IS 


in- 


tln'  ri^lit  hand  over  it  witli  I'xteiKlcd  HiiK«"rs,  aiitl  tlH'ii  botli  iiriiis  ox- 
tmdvd  ill  front  of  bod.v,  liiindM  horizontal,  Hiiki'Ih  (^xtciKh-d,  l»iu>ks  oiit- 
wiird,  to  tlie  sides,  are  held  on  the  level  of  tlie  breast.  ( IhihUa  I.)  " Size 
of  the  box." 

Boy.    Bee  Child. 

Brave. 

Close  the  tlsts,  plaee  the  left  near  the  breast,  and  move  the  riRht  over 
the  left  toward  the  left  side.  (  Wied.)  A  motion  something  like  this, 
whitjh  I  do  not  now  distinctly  recall— a  sort  of  wreiKthiiiK  motion  with 
the  lists  in  front  of  the  chest — I  have  seen  used  for  Ntronj^.  If  Wied's 
sifiii-maker's  hand  first  strnck  the  rejjion  over  the  heart  (as  he  mviy  have 
done)  he  would  then  have  indicated  a  "stronjj  heart,"  which  is  the 
equivalent  for  Brave.     {Maitheicit.) 

Clincli  the  lifjlit  fist,  and  place  it  to  the  breasv.  (Absarohi  I ;  Sho- 
nh(>ni  and  Bunak  I.) 

I'.otli  hands  fist;  the  left  (A)  moved  up  close  to  the  body  to  Ihe  heifiht 
of  i;he  chin,  at  the  same  time  the  right  is  bnmght  up  and  thrown  over 
the  left  (as  it  is  moved  up)  with  an  outward  and  downward  curved  mo- 
tion ;  the  left  hand  is  carried  upward  and  downward  and  the  movement 
of  the  right  reversed  two  or  three  times.  Endurance  is  expressed  by 
this  sign,  and  it  is  connected  with  the  sun-dance  trials  of  the  young  man 
in  testing  his  bravery  and  powers  of  endurance  before  ad*  'ission  to  the 
ranks  of  the  warriors.     {Dakota  I.) 

Push  the  two  fists  forward  about  a  fot,  at  the  height  of  the  breast, 
the  right  about  two  inches  behind  the  left,  palms  inward.  {Dakota  IV.) 
"The  hands  push  all  before  them." 

The  right  arm  is  flexed  and  elevated ;  the  hand  is  then  placed  over 
left  eye  much  in  type-position  (B).  It  is  then  twisted  from  left  to  riglU 
across  forehea*!  until  at  right  side  of  lie-id  when  the  motion  stops  with 
fists  palm  outwards.     That  is  remlily  u  wound,  As  good  tciU.     {Oto  I.) 

Strike  the  breast  gently  with  the  palmar  side  of  the  right  fist.  (  Wy- 
andot I.) 

Strike  the  clinched  fist  forcibly  toward  the  ground  in  front  of  and  neai 
the  breast.     {Ankara  I.) 

He  is  the  bravest  of  all. 


Raise  right  hand,  fingers  extended,  palm  d«)wnward  (  *V  1 ),  swing 
it  around  "over  all,"  the  poo'.t  to  the  man  (fig.  1),  raise  left  fist  (A  1, 
changed  to  left  and  palm  inward)  to  a  point  in  front  of  and  near  the 
body,  close  fingers  of  right  hand  and  place  the  fist  (A  2,  pain  inward) 
between  left  fist  and    body  and  then  with  violent  niovemeiit  throw  it 


I  •! 


1    <■■ 


\r\ 


w 

if? 

1 


^"^  I 


46 

ovor  h'I't  (ist,  as  tlidUKJi  brciikiii^j  soiiu'tliitif-',  iiikI  stoimt  a  i)()iiit  in  front 
of  and  little  below  left  (ist,  and  lastly  point  npwani  with  ii{,dit  hand, 
(ti{,'.  13).     (Sahuptin  I.)     "Of  all  lu'ie  ho  is  strouKi'st." 

The  rifiht  tlst,  palm  downward,  is  stniek  ajjainst  the  breast  several 
times,  and  the  index  is  then  ([nickly  eh'vated  before  the  face,  pointing 
ni>ward.     (Apache  I.) 

Only  by  showinjj;  willingness  to  tight.     {Apache  III.) 

Pcaf-iiiiite  natural  sit/n. — To  run  forward  with  a  bold  expression  of 
the  conntenance.     {Larnon.) 

Pantomime. — Not  to  rnn  back  but  to  run  forward.     {Zciyler.) 

Rrave. 

"  Hold  (irmly  dosed  left  hand  ab(nit  eight  inches  in  front  of  <'entreof 
body,  left  forearm  horizontal,  pointing  to  right  and  front,  back  of  left 
hand  vertical,  and  on  lii;e  of  jirolongation  of  forearm ;  bringing  the  (irndy 
closed  right  hand  some  six  i:iclies  above  and  a  little  in  front  of  left  hand, 
back  to  right  and  front,  and  on  line  of  forearm;  strike  downward  with 
right  hand,  mostly  by  elbow  action,  the  second  joints  of  right  hand 
l)assing  close  to  and  about  on  a  line  with  knuckles  of  left  hand. 

"1  believe  then;  is  no  gesture  in  the  Indian  sign-language  that  is  as 
flexible  and  i)ossesses  as  niuidi  strength  and  <!haracter  in  its  meaning  as 
this,  tor,  when  added  to  other  signs,  it  intensities  their  description 
wonderfully  ;  adds,  in  fact,  the  su',)erlative  to  every  idea  ;  gives  heroic 
character  to  bravery;  arrant  cowardice  to  timidity;  makes  an  ordimiry 
meal  a  feast,  and  of  a  fast,  starvation  ;  ]»leasure  becomes  bliss,  and  care 
most  bitter  sorrow.  Pointing  to  a  man  and  nniking  this  sign  would 
convey  to  an  Indian's  mind  the  idea  that  he  was  brave,  fearless ;  and 
this,  to  then>,  is  the  highest,  nu)st  perfect,  virtue,  and  creates  not  only 
respect,  but  i)ositive  reverence." 

The  foregoing  is  (iiu)ted  from  an  article  in  the  United  Service  for  July, 
1880,  written  by  an  autluu-  who,  according  to  his  strong  exnressions,  is 
obviously  atiHicted  with  a  theory  of  a  stereot  jk'  and  unive;-  d  sign  lan- 
guage among  the  Indians,  which  is  supported  by  his  avowedly  taking 
"  means  "  of  signs.  His  descrii)tions  are  therefore  liable  to  some  of  the 
cautionary  remarks  in  the  Introductory  Letter  to  this  pamphlet,  but  as 
it  is  highly  intt  .esting  toascertain  the  use  of  an  intensive  or  sujjerlative 
sign,  the  quotation  is  jjHnted  to  attract  the  attention  of  correspondents. 
If  they  meet  with,  or  can  recall  the  i)recise  sign  us  above  described,  and 
in  the  same  exact  sense,  they  will  jdease  state  th ;  tribe  and  all  particu- 
lais.  Something  like  this  sign,  with  some  reseniLUince  to  its  use  as  an 
Mitensive,  apjtears  elsewhere  in  this  paper,  but  not  with  the  signification 
of  "brave,"  under  which  head  it  was  given  by  the  author  and  therefore 
is  so  i»laced  here. 


t 

:» 


^i9 


47 

Bread. 

ComltiiM'  sifjiis  tor  Flour  iuid  Fire.     {Ampnhn  I.) 

IJotli  liaiids  in  front  of  hody,  lists.  hiU'k.sohliiiud.vdowinviinl,  pnsli  np 
und  down  8«'V('iid  tiniivs  ;is  tlioiiyli  kncadint,'  tlie  (Utnyli,  and  tlu'n  at  a 
hifilier  elevation  both  liaiuls,  one  above  tins  otiicr  about  8  inclics.  hori- 
zontal, left  iiantl  below,  bacii  downward  (X)  Hfrht  hand  above,  baek 
ui)wanl(W)fhanKetliei»ositionsof  the  hands  (W  taUinj;- the  plaeeoeeu- 
pied  by  X)  two  or  three  times.  (Dnkota  I.)  "  Kroni  the  parking  and 
shapinfi'  of  the  loaf." 

Tlie  rifjrht  hand  bcinj;  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  ehest,  opened  and 
relaxed,  pointiii}''  obliquely  forward  toward  the  left,  <iuickiy  throw  the 
left  hand,  palm  downward,  and  lay  it  across  the  rijjht,  then  rai)idly  separ- 
ate the  hands,  and  turning  the  palm  of  the  left  upward  and  the  right 
downward,  lay  the  right  across  the  left.  Repeat  this  maneuver  several 
times,     {Dakota  IV.)     "  Forming  a  piece  of  dough  into  a  cake  or  loaf." 

Hard  ;  tuackers,  Ikv. 

After  nniking  the  tlrst  part  of  the  above  sign,  carry  the  left  hand  in 
front  of  the  left  breast  with  fingers  extende<l,  Joined,  flat,  lioii/.ontal 
ends  of  tingers  forward,  and  the  edge  of  the  right  hand  with  tingers 
extended  is  drawn  across  the  palm  of  the  left  at  proper  distances  cross- 
wise.    (Dakota  1.) 

Break. 

Both  hands  brought  one  above  the  other  around  to  front  of  body, 
closed  as  though  grasi)ing  small  stick,  and  suddenly  turiuMl  in  ()i)posite 
directions  to  imitate  brea'king.     {Cheyenne  1.) 

The  extended  foretinger  of  both  hands  (J  1)  meeting  at  their  tips  iu 
front  of  body,  ])aluis  inward,  and  then  separate  the  tingers  by  an  outward 
movement  as  though  breaking  anything  in  two.  {Dakota  I.)  "From 
the  breaking  of  a  twig." 

The  fists  being  near  together,  directed  forward  and  backs  upward, 
turn  the  onter  sides  downward  as  if  breaking  a  stick.     {Dakota  IV.) 

With  both  hands  phiced  side  by  side,  thnmbs  touching,  tlirow  them 
outward  and  downward  as  if  breaking  a  stick.     {Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Both  (ists  (backs  upward,  knuckles  forward,  thumbs  one  or  two  inches 
apart)  are  held  at  a  common  level  six  or  more  inches  in  front  of  the 
chest,  then  sinndtaneously  the  forearms  are  semi-rotated  so  as  to  bring 
the  thumbs  uppermost.  Other  methods  of  breaking  have  other  signs 
to  represent  tlRui.     {Mandan  and  Eidatsa  I.) 

The  arms  are  uniforndy  flexed  and  the  hands  in  ty|)e-position  (B) 
ai)proximated  before  the  body.     The  hands  are  thus  i)alms  downwards. 


w 


» 


III 


, 


«iiif 


'II 


th\ 


-;■ 

l\ 

. 

i: 

;;| 

1 

. 

ti 

■(* 

It, 

i 

';i 

■ 

i 

'■! 

s 

.'j 

i'i 

i 

I'i 

|;' 

,1 

1 

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M 

1    •  .' 

■! 

4H 

Tlio  siKii  is  i-(iiiipl(>t(Ml  l»,v  turning  tln'in  over  towards  tlic  sidr  as  in 
r«>^iilarl,v  iiriKliii^  or  Itrcalviii;;  a  sti<;k.  Sign  oixlswitli  psilins  up.  [Oto 
I.)     "Somt'tliiiij;  torn  apart." 

Moth  liantls  closol,  palms  down,  tlinndts  toiifliini.%  tlirn  tlirow  both 
downward  and  outward,  toward  tlicir  rcspt'ctivr  sid«'s  as  it  InraUing  a 
Nti(;k.  If  this  grstiirc  is  atMronipanit'd  by  a  inovtMiuMit  of  th(>  body  for- 
ward, and  facial  a«'<-onipanirnt>nt  of  exertion,  it  r»'i>res('nts  j^reator 
desl ruction  by  breaking  or  the  increased  re(iiiirenient  of  Htrength  to 
break  the  object  referred  to.     (Ute  I;  Aptwlu'  I.) 

Seize  an  inniginary  object,  liold  it  in  two  fists  (A  |>alni  down),  turn 
flstH  outward  and  pabns  up  (broken).     {Apache  MI.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  ."*»//««. — ('lincli  the  hands  and  turn  tliein  as  in  the 
act  of  breaking  a  stick.     {liallariL) 

Umo  the  8hut  hands  aa  if  to  break  a  stick.    {HaHenxtah.) 

Nod  the  head  slowly  with  the  ni)i)cr  teeth  rested  on  the  lower  lip 
and  the  eyes  opened  widely  to  express  astonishment,  and,  at  the  same 
time,  use  the  shut  haml  with  the  foretinger  up  as  if  to  give  a  warning, 
and  then  use  the  shut  hands  as  if  to  break  something.     (Hasenstab.) 

VVmv  the  tists  together  and  su<ldenly  raise  tlicm  ajiart,  forming  an 
angle  (either  right  or  obtuse.)     (Larson.) 

To  use  both  shut  hands  as  if  to  break  a  stick.     {ZeigJer.) 

Ilrokt'ii. 

Twist  oft'  left  forefinger  with  right  forefinger  and  thumb.  [Apache 
III. 

Breecli-clotli. 

Pass  the  fiat  hand  from  between  the  legs  upward  toward  the  belly, 
(Wied.)  This  sign  is  still  in  use  among  these  Indians.  (Matthews.) 
Metaphorically  speaking  there  is  identity  with  Wied's  sign  and  mine. 
(0^>  and  Minsonri  I.)  In  the  latter,  the  sign  is  given  for  the  thing  sig- 
nified. ]iy  the  I'rince  of  Wied  the  conception  is  the  article  itself.  By 
the  Oto,  that  which  invariably  accompanies  and  supports  it.     (Boteler.) 

Draw  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  upward,  between  the  legs  from 
behind  forward.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Both  arms  were  Hexed  and  somewhat  raiseil  at  the  sides;  the  hands, 
then  in  position  (K),  inverted,  are  brought  to  the  i)rominences  of  the 
hips.  The  hands  are  then  brought  around  to  the  pubis  in  an  approach- 
ing line  and  there  tw'sted  over  each  other,  as  in  tying  a  knot.  The 
movement  in  this  sigii  represents  the  tying  of  the  cord  that  passes 
around  over  the  hips  to  support  the  breech-cloth.  (Oto  and  Mmouri  I.) 
"  That  which  is  tied  on  with  a  cord  at  the  hips." 


from 


49 

Bridle. 

The  ext«Mi(l»Ml  fon'tiiifjorot'  both  liiinds  (all  otluTs  (iloscd)  {H),  iiicctin^j 
iit  tlu-jr  tips  1110  pliicod  l>ai;ks  a;:aiii.st  and  (■ovt'iiii^  tlu-  iiiitiitli  (tliis  is 
tli»'  bit)  and  tluMi  Mcparatt'd,  drawn  npwanl  alonn  their  n'sjH'ctivt'  sidos 
of  tlic  lace  in  front  of  tin'  cars  nntil  tlu'.v  nicft  at  tlu'  Itacli  |»art  of  the 
to|>  of  the  iit-ad.     {IhikoUt  I.)     '•  From  tin;  wearing;  of  tlic  l»ridh>." 

Moth  hands,  with  cxtciHh'd  indices  as  in  (K),  meet  on  tlie  top  of  tlie 
head  and  (h^s('ril)e  a  line  (h)\vn  the  siih's  of  the  face,  then  meet  in  tiio 
centerof  the  month  and  divtM'tic.  [(hit  ami  MiHuoiiri  1.)  "The  positiini 
of  tlie  Hiime  on  animaKs  head." 

Bi'Iiik:  Io  IIIO.     See  liiive. 

Broad,  wide,    i^ee  WHg  in  the  sense  of  Wide. 

Brother;  lirollier  niid  Midler.    See  RelatioiiMlii|i. 

Broom. 

IJoth  hands  Joined,  in  front  of  the  stomach,  l)a<'ks  ontward,  (lnf;er.*i 
extended  and  iHiintiiiy  obliquely  downward,  make  a  |inshinji'  forward 
and  backward  movement  from  the  wrists  as  fh(aij;h  brnshin};'  or  pnsh- 
inj;  dirt  before  the  broom.  [Dakota  I.)  "From  the  manner  of  using 
their  primitives  brush  broom. 

Bull. 

First  make  at  the  sides  of  the  head  the  horns  of  the  animal  by  crook- 
'\i\\f  ba(!kward  the  index-Hn^^ers,  and  then  make  the  sij;n  for  Tlale 
ap|)licd  to  animals,  which  is  the  same  as  applied  to  human  bein<>'8. 
{Dakota  I.)     "Denoting  the  sex  of  the  animal.''* 

Bullet. 

Make  the  sijjn  of  the  ex|)lodin<;'  of  the  powder,  then  j^rasp  the  fore- 
linger  of  the  hand  with  the  renmining  tingers  and  thumb,  so  that  the 
tip  of  it  will  so  extend  beyond  them  as  to  represent  the  ball.     (Loity.) 

(1)  Make  the  sign  for  Ball ;  (2)  forefinger  ami  thunil)  of  right  hand 
used  as  in  tlie  act  of  grasping  some  small  object  in  front  of  the  face,  and 
between  it  and  lett  hand,  which  rejuesents  a  half  circle  by  in«'ans  of  the 
middle  Hnger  and  thuml);  (.'?)  tbrefinger  of  right  hand  suddenly  e>  tended 
and  pushed  through  the  imaginary  circle  of  which  the  middle  tinger  and 
tlnunb  of  the  left  hand  forms  one-half.     {Cheyenne  1.) 

Lett  hand  hooked  (ftj),  nearly  closed;  /.  c,  leaving  a  small  circular 
opening,  thumb  resting  on  the  backs  of  the  lid  and  .'{d  phalanges  of  all 
the  lingers,  is  held  horizontal  in  front  of  the  left  breast,  with  back  to- 
ward the  left  (this  repre.seuts  the  l)arrel  of  a  gnu),  then  the  index  and. 
tluuubof  the  right  extended  and  nearly  Joined  at  tips  asthcmgh  holding 
7 


111 


[■  'M 


.■)() 

a  nmiid  bullet  hot  .v»'«  ;i  tiM'in  (tliis  is  tlie  bullet),  is  (rarried  to  tin'  I'.'lt 
liand  and  tlic  tiiiKois  rolaxi'd  as tli(>iif;l«  idaciiifr  tlie  bidlct  in  tlieeinidar 
opcninj;,  and  tluMi  strike  down  on  the  left  lunid,  with  tlie  e<.^'»M»i  tlio 
iiv;lit  list  (A  l)as  thoufih  tliivinj;-  tlu'  bnllet  home.  Thissij>n  is  that  tor 
hjadinj*-  a  {"nn.     {Ihihota  I.) 


Burn. 

'1\»  destroy. 

Move  the  ii};ht  hand  (F)  i:\  front  of  the  body  as  thonjih  throwing 
soniethinfj  forward,  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Fire.     (Ihihota  I.) 

Of  the.  body. 


'A., -eh  the  burnt  part  with  the  rij^ht  index  and  then  nnike  the  sign 
for  Fire.    (Dahofa  I.)    "  From  fire." 

Iliiry,  To. 

Hoih  flat  ami  extended  hands  held  at  arms'-length  beftne  the  abdomen, 
edges  do  vn,  and  abont  an  inclMU-  two  'luirt,  tlnnnbs  tonehing;  both 
hands  are  then  thrown  initward  toward  their  respective  sides  repeatedly, 
as  if  khrowing  away  fnnu  their  npper  surfaites  some  light  substance. 
Ti.en  reverse  the  motion  from  without  inward.  {Shoxhoni  and  Jiaiuik  I.) 
"Throwing  up  earth  from  a  ditch,  and  returning  it." 

Buy.    See  Tra«ie. 

%  aiii|». 

Clim-h  both  hands,  hold  them  ui)ward  before  the  breasts,  tlnunbs 
touching,  'I'lMi  i>ass  them  forward,  each  describing  a  semicircle,  so  that 
th«^  outer  edges  touch  at  the  terminaticni  of  the  gesture,     (Arikam  I.) 

C'airiioii. 

Thumb  of  t!ie  right  hand  under  the  lingers;  /.  e.,  in  the  palm  i)f  the 
hand,  otherwise  fist  (B);  snaj)  out  the  lingers  ami  thui  ib  in  front  of  the 
rigiit  bicasl,  and  then  nndu'  the  sign,  for  Bi^.  {Ihikctu  I.)  "The  big 
explosion     'rrom  the  smoki^  made  on  the  discharge  of  a  cannon." 

€'a|»,  |»ereii?^*(2oii.    t-^ee  liiiiii. 

€'a|>liire.  To.    See  PriMOiier,  lo  «:ske. 

€ar«i-«,  playing-. 

(1)  Lett  hand  fully  opened,  slant,  and  held  up  to  the  level  and  in  fnuit 
of  the  .sh(»iild«'r;  (li)  sudden  pecking  motion  made  with  the  partially> 
closed  lingers  of  the  right  hand  five  or  six  times  towards  the  i)alm  of 
the  open  left  hand,  as  though  throwing  cards.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

(io  through  the  motion  of  dealing  from  a  pack  of  cards,  and  thrcwing 
one  each  to  inmginary  players,  right,  front,  and  left.     (Oukotti  VI,  Vll.) 


m 


'■"^ 


'^ 


51 

€atlle. 

First  iiiaUe  tlu>  si^ii  for  lliiflhio  and  Mien  tlit^  si^ii  for  NpoKed. 
{Ihikotti  IV.)     "Spottod  butt,  lo." 

Hotli  iinns  iirc  olcvat«Ml  to  li»>iul  Hoxt'tl.  Tl»'  liaiids,  hotli.  ar»'  l>roii}>ht 
to  Hides  of  head  at  paric^tal  ridn•t^sin  jtositioii  (K),  and  thus  ludd  a  minute; 
the  lu'ad  iH  Mk'U  rotated  to  tiu'  several  sides.  (Oto  I.)  "Animal  with 
horns." 

Make  the  sif^ii  fur  lliiflhio,  tlu'u  extend  the  h>ft  foreliu^^er  aiul  draw 
the  extended  index  mu'oss  it  repeatedly  at  dirt'erent  phu-es.  (Almarolia 
I;  Slumhoni  and  Jianak  1.)     "  Literally,  spotted  hutialo." 

T«)  round  up. 

lMa<;e  the  <!losed  hands  horizontally  before  the  chest,  leaving-  th(»  fore- 
fluf^ers  curved,  then  make  a  beckoning;  motion  with  both  simidtaneously, 
the  rifjht  movinj;'  over  the  left,  as  if  hookinji;  at  imaj^inary  stalks  of 
grain,  {luihnrn  I;  Vomnnche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "Cattle 
(horns)  broufjht  t.)},'ether." 

Chair. 

Right  forearm  extench'd  from  the  elbow  at  right  angles  (L),  with  the 
hand  flst(A),  with  back  downward.  {Dakota  I.)  This  sign  also  denotes 
sit  down.     "  From  its  i;se." 

ChalleiijV*^. 

Florentine  aiffn. — A  list  clinched,  with  the  thumb  thrust  out  und"r  the 
forefinger.     ( liutler.) 

Chicken  cocii,  «U)mestic. 

Bring  the  thund)  and  lingers  of  the  right'hand  together,  and,  holding 
the  hand  moderately  elevated,  move  it  across,  imitating  the  nu)tion  of 
the  head  of  a  eo(!k  in  walking.     (J>unhar.) 

(1)  Sign  for  Bird ;  (-')  tips  of  fingers  and  tlunub  of  right  hand 
closed  and  pointing  (hnvuward;  (3)  nH)ti(m  of  scratching  and  pecking 
imitated.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Chiei;  a. 

The  forelinger  of  the  right  hand  exteiule;!,  pass  it  perpendicularly 
downward,  then  turn  it  upwanl,  and  rui.se  it  in  a  right  line  as  high  as 
the  head.     [Long.)     "  Rising  ab  >ve  others." 

Raise  the  index  finger  of  the  right  hand,  holding  it  straight  upward, 
then  turn  it  in  u  circle  ami  bring  it  straight  down,  a  little  toward  the 
ca^h.  (  Wied.)  The  right  hand  is  raised,  and  in  jiosition  (J)  describes  a 
semicircle  as  in  beginning  the  act  of  throwing.  The  arm  is  elevated 
perfectly  erect  aside  of  tlie  head,  the  palm  of  tiie  iiulex  and  hand  should 


I  't 


i 


•  ,ii 


rHf 


It ' 


y 

III 

■■    W    ' 

.; 

1 

t^ 

^    ^ 

'■ 

'^!fi: 


52 

be  outwanls.  Tliere  is  an  evident  similarity  in  both  execntion  and  con^ 
ception  of  this  sign  and  Wie(Vfi;  the  little  variation  maybe  the  result  ol 
diftereut  interi)retation.  The  idea  of  superiority  is  most  prominent  in 
both.  "A  prominent  one  before  whom  all  succumb."  {Boteler.)  IV'terf's 
air-picture  reminds  of  the  royal  scepter  with  its  sphere. 

Raise  the  forefinger,  [)ointed  upwards,  in  a  vertical  direction,  and  then 
reverse  both  finger  and  motion ;  the  greater  the  elev;ition  the  "  bigger" 
the  chief.     (Arapaho  I.) 

(1)  Sign  for  iHan  ;  (2)  middle,  third,  little  finger,  and  thumb  slightly 
closed  together,  forefinger  pointing  forward  anv!  downward;  (3)  curved 
motion  made  forward,  outward,  and  downward.  {Cheyenne  I.)  "  He 
who  stands  still  and  commands,"  as  shown  by  similarity  of  signs  to  Sit 
here  or  Stand  here,  "  the  man  who  stands  still  and  directs." 

The  extended  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  (J),  of  which  the  other  fin. 
gers  are  closed,  is  raised  to  the  right  side  of  the  head  and  above  it  as 
far  as  the  irm  can  be  extended,  and  then  the  hund  is  brought  down  in 
front  of  the  body  with  the  wrist  bent,  the  back  of  hand  in  front  and  the 
extended  forefinger  pointing  downward.  {Dakota  I.)  "  Raised  above 
others." 

Move  the  upright  and  extended  right  index,  palm  forward,  from  the 
shoulder  upward  as  high  as  the  top  of  the  head,  turn  it  through  a  curve, 
and  move  it  forward  six  f'lches,  and  then  downward,  its  palm  backward, 
to  the  height  of  the  shoulder.  {Dakota  IV.)  "  Above  all  others.  He 
looks  over  or  after  us." 

Elevate  the  extended  index  before  the  shoulder,  pass  it  upward  as 
high  as  the  In-iul,  forming  a  short  curve  to  the  front,  and  downward 
again  slightly  to  the  front.  .  (Dakota  VI,  VII ;  Hidatna  I ;  Arikara  I.) 

Right  hand  closed,  forefinger  pointing  up,  raise  the  hand  from  the 
waist  in  front  of  the  body  till  it  passes  above  the  head.     {Omaha  I.) 

Another  sign  :  liring  the  closed  right  hand,  forefinger  pointing  iij),  on 
a  level  with  the  ttwje ;  then  bring  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  with  force 
against  the  right  forefinger ;  next  send  up  the  right  hand  above  the 
head,  leaving  the  left  as  it  is.     {Omaha  I.) 

Tlie  right  arm  is  extended  by  side  of  head,  with  the  hand  in  positioii 
(J).  The  arm  and  hand  then  descend,  the  finger  describing  a  semicircle 
with  the  arm  as  a  radius.  The  sign  stops  with  arm  hanging  at  full 
length.     (0^0  I.)     "The  arm  of  authority  before  whom  all  nnist  fall." 

Hotii  liiinds  elevated  to  a  position  in  front  of  and  high  as  the  slionl- 
dt'rs,  palms  facing,  fingers  and  thumbs  si)read  and  slightly  curved  ;  the 
hands  are  then  drawn  outward  a  short  distance  towards  their  respective 
sides  and  gently  elevated  as  high  as  the  top  of  the  head.  ( Wyandot  I.) 
*'  One  who  is  elevated  by  otiiers." 


f)3 

Elevate  the  closed  hiiiul — index  only  extended  and  pointini;  npward — 
to  the  front  of  the  right  side  of  the  face  or  neck  or  shoulder,  i)ass  it 
quickly  upward,  and  when  as  high  as  the  toj)  of  the  head,  direct  it  for- 
ward and  downwanl  again  toward  the  ground.  {Kaioira  I ;  Comanche 
III ;  Apache  II ;    Wichita  II.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  index  raised,  extended,  and  placed  before  the 
breast,  then  move  it  forward  from  the  month,  pointing  forward,  until  at 
arm's  length.     ( Ute  I.) 

Head  chief  of  tribe. 


Place  both  flat  hands  before  the  body,  palms  dowH;  f>!id  pans  them 
horizontally  outward  toward  their  respective  sides,  then  make  the  sign 
for  Chief*.    (Ariliara  I.)    "Chief  of  the  widu  region  and  those  upon  it." 

After  pointing  out  the  man,  point  to  the  ground  all  fingers 
closed  except  first  (J  1,  pointing  downward  instead  of  upward),  then 
point  ujiward  with  same  hand  (J  2),  then  move  hand  to  a  point  in  front 
of  body  (Fig.  2),  fingers  extended  i»alm  downward  (W  1)  and  move 
around  in  circle — over  all.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "In  this  place  he  is  head 
over  all." 

Grasp  the  forelock  with  the  right  hand,  palm  backward,  pass  the  hand 
upward  about  six  inches  and  hold  it  in  that  position  a  moment.  (Pai- 
Ute  I.) 

Elevate  the  extended  index  vertically  above  and  in  front  of  the  head, 
hohling  the  left  hand,  forefinger  pointing  upward,  from  one  to  two  feet 
below  and  underneath  the  right,  the  position  of  the  left,  either  elevated 
or  deiu'essed,  also  denoting  the  relative  position  of  the  second  individual 
.o  that  of  the  chief.     (Apache  I.)  • 

War.     Head  of  a  w:      'inty  ;  Partisan. 


First  make  the  sign  of  the  Pipe;  then  open  the  thumb  and  index- 
finger  of  the  right  hand,  back  of  the  hand  outward,  moving  it  forward 
and  iii)ward  in  a  curve.  (  Wiei.)  By  tli'-  i  itle  of  "  Partisan"  the  author 
meant,  as  in«leed  was  the  common  expres-^ion  of  the  '  "anadian  voy- 
ageiu's,  a  leader  of  an  oiicasional  or  volunteer  war  party.  The  sign  is 
explained  by  his  ac(;ount  in  a  ditterent  connection,  that  to  beci  ;ne  recog- 
nized as  a  leader  of  such  a  war  party,  the  first  act  among  tiic  tribes 
using  the  sign  was  the  consecration,  by  fasting  su ceded  by  feasting, 
of  a  medicine  pipe  without  ornament,  which  the  leader  of  the  exi)edition 
afterward  ])ore  befoie  him  as  his  badge  of  authoritx .  and  it  therefore 
naturally  became  an  euddematic  sign.  Tiiere  may  be  inte  >t  in  noting 
that  the  "Calandar  of  the  Dakota  Nation"  (Hulieti  S.  G.  and  (r. 

Survey,  vol.  iii.,  No.  1),  gives  a  figure  (No.  iS,  A.  I'.  1S42),  showing 
"One  Feather,"  a  Sioux  chief,  who  raised  in  that  year  a  large  war  party 
against  the  Crows,  which  fact  is  simply  denoted  by  his  holding  out, 
demonstratively,  an  unornamented  pipe. 


fH 


'  s 


.  pi 


is  -il 


fi4 

Combine  signs  for  Chief  and  Battle.     (Arapaho  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Battle  and  then  tliat  for  C  hie  I*.  {Da- 
kota I.)    "  First  in  battle." 

Of  a  band. 

Point  the  extended  index  forward  and  npward  before  the  chest,  then 
phice  the  spread  fingers  of  the  left  hand  aronnd  the  index,  Imt  at  a  short 
distance  beliind  it,  all  pointing  the  same  direction.  Aluad  of  the  re- 
maindei".     (Arihira  I.) 

Grasp  the  forelock  with  tht^  right  hand,  palm  backward,  and  pretend 
to  lay  the  hair  down  over  the  right  side  of  the  head  by  passing  the  hand 
in  that  direction.     (Pai-Utel.) 

Tiie  Frencli  deaf  mnte  sign  for  Offlo',  Command,  may  be  com'^^ared 
with  several  of  tlie  above  signs.  In  ,t  tie  index  tij)  first  tonches  the 
lower  tip,  tin  ii  is  riiised  iiliovi'  tlK-  iioad  iMid  bronght  down  with  violence. 
[Ijensi'i(in)U('iit  priimdre  drx  .son rds- nth  ts ;  pnr  M.  I'elisitier.     P«n»,  ISoO.) 

CUiitI;  Bahv;  fiif'aiit;  OflNpriiis. 

Bring  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  riglit  band  and  place  tliem  against 
the  lips,  tlicn  <lraw  them  away  and  biing  the  right  hand  against  the 
forearm  of  the  left  as  if  holding  an  infant.  Should  the  child  be  male, 
prefix  the'sign  of  a  man  before  this  sign,  and  if  a  female,  do  so  by  the 
sign  of  the  woman.     (Dunlxir.) 

If  an  Indian  wishes  to  tell  you  that  an  individual  present  is  his  ott- 
spring,  he  points  to  tin'  pcison,  and  then  with  the  finger  still  extended, 
passes  it  forward  from  his  loins  in  a  line  curving  downward,  then 
slightly  upward.     {Lowj.) 

Push  the  index-finger  rajudly  into  the  air  then  draw  the  hand  back 
downward.  (  Wied.)  The  right  arm  is  brought  up  and  fiexed  toward 
the  body.  The  open  hand  then  <lescribes  a  semicircle  downward  and 
outward  similar  to  the  curve  of  Cams,  and  stops  with  the  hand  erect. 
The  palm  is  first  toward  the  body,  but  at  the  completion  of  t,ie  sign, 
outward.  There  is  no  similarity  between  this  sign  and  Wied''H  save  iu 
the  method  of  imlicating  its  age  or  size.  The  upturned  palin  as  indi- 
catiiig  species  will  not  olttain  ,iin<mg  the  Otos.  {lioteler.)  'That  has 
been  born  or  come  forth."  The  distance  from  the  ground  when  the  nio- 
th)n  ceases  indicates  the  heiglit  of  the  child  referred  to.  Indians  often 
distinguish  the  height  of  human  beings  by  the  hand  placed  at  the  proper 
elevation,  back  downward,  and  that  of  inanimate  objects  or  animals  not 
human,  by  the  hand  held  back  upward. 

A  son  or  daughter  is  expressed  by  nuiking  with  the  hand  a  movement 
denoting  issue  from  the  loins;  if  the  child  be  small,  a  bit  of  the  index 
held  between  the  antagonized  thumb  and  mi  lins  is  shown.   (Burton.) 


55 

(lan'sses,  by  a  uian ;  by  a  woman,  by  a  motion  representinfj  parturi- 
tion.    (MdCffoiran.) 

Pass  the  hand  downwanl  from  the  abdomen,  between  the  legs,  indi- 
cating that  it  came  that  way.     (Doihje.) 

Right  hand  fingers  somewhat  curved  and  s.  paratod  and  hehl  forward 
and  higher  tlian  the  wrist,  ])abn  down,  moved  in  a  sliort  arch  from  side 
to  side  at  the  height  representing  the  child  indicated,  and  as  if  rubbing 
the  top  of  the  head.     (Apache  I.) 

Small. 

Place  the  right  hanci  a  couple  of  feet  from  the  ground,  or  lower,  back 
forward  and  lingers  i)oiKting  upward,  tlien  close  both  hands  and  place 
them  in  front  of  the  navel,  backs  outward,  the  right  fist  about  three 
inches  above  the  left,  and  while  in  this  position  extend  and  Hex  the 
hands  at  ilie  wrist  once  or  twice.     {Dakota  l\.)    "In  arm  and  sniall." 

One  able  to  walk. 

Right  hand  extended  in  front  of  the  body  on  level  with  the  breast, 
back  of  haiul  out,  fingers  Joined  and  pointing  obliquely  toward  the  left, 
turn  the  hand  over  with  palm  looking  dowuTard  (W),  aiul  carry  the 
hand  downward  as  though  laying  its  palm  on  tiie  toj)  of  a  child's  head, 
the  distance  of  the  hand  from  the  ground  indicating  the  height  and  ap- 
proximately tiie  age  of  the  child.  (Dakota  I.)  "Indicating  a  child's 
age  by  its  height." 


\   J 


Deafinate  naturnJ  sign  for  child,  not  a  baby  in  armH.—  Vnt  the  hand 
when  naturally  stretched  out  down  to  the  knee.     [Larmn.) 

* 

The  Cistercian  monks,  vowed  to  silonce,  and  the  Egyptian  hierogly- 
phers,  notably  in  the  designation  of  Horns,  their  dawn-god,  used  the 
finger  in  or  on  the  Uns  for  "child."  It  has  been  conjectured  in  the  last 
instatice  that  tiie  gesture  implied,  not  the  mode  of  taking  nourishment, 
but  inability  to  si)eak — in/ann.  This  conjecture,  however,  was  only 
made  to  explain  the  blunder  of  the  Greeks,  who  saw  in  the  hand  placed 
connected  with  the  mouth  in  the  hieroglyph  of  II<niis  (tiie)  son,  "  Hor- 
(p)-chrot,"  the  gesture  familiar  to  themselves  of  a  finger  on  the  lii)s  to 
express  "silence,"  and  so  mistaking  both  the  name  and  the  characteri- 
zation, invented  the  Ciod  of  Silence,  Ilarpokrates.  A  careful  examina- 
tion of  all  the  linear  hieroglyphs  given  by  Chainpollion  (l)ictionnaire 
l5gyptien),  shows  that  the  finger  or  hand  to  the  mouth  of  an  adult 
(whose  i)osture  is  always  distiiu-t  from  that  of  a  child)  is  always  in  con- 
nection with  tlie  positive  ideas  of  voice,  mouth,  speecli,  writing,  eating, 
drinking,  &c.,  and  never  with  the  negative  idea  of  silencie.  The  si>ecial 
character  for  "chihl"  always  has  the  above-mentioned  i)art  of  the  sign 
with  reference  to  nourishment  from  the  breast. 


'f! 


T 


vU'' 


1 

i ' 

ill   :: 

1 

t.: 


ii 


»* 


t. 

I                         j 

1  , 

■1,  , 

1 

1' 

if' 

M;  ■ 

i 

1                 1 

VI 


i)6 


Hahv,  Iiitant. 


IMiu't!  the  foretiiiKi'r  in  the  mouth,  /.  p.,  a  iiursiiij>'  cliihl.     (Araptiho  I.) 

(1)  Sijjfii  for  woiiiiiii  made  from  shouhU'r  downward;  (li)  h)wer(;d  in 
accordance  with  size  and  lieij^ht  of  chihl.  If  a  baby,  both  hands  open 
and  palms  slif^litly  curled  up  brou<>iit  up  to  front  of  breast,  slight  up- 
ward and  8idewi.se  rocking  motion  imitated.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Lay  the  back  of  the  right  hand  in  the  palm  of  the  left  crosswise  on 
the  left  side  of  the  breast,  and  make  the  uj)  and  down  movements  as 
though  holding  and  dandling  an  infant.  (Dakota  1.)  " dex  of  the  child 
can  be  designated  by  its  appropriate  sign." 

Move  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  backward,  fingers  pointing  down- 
ward, from  the  lower  part  of  the  chest  downward  until  it  is  in  front 
of  tlie  lower  i>art  of  the  abdomen,  here  turn  the  palm  downward  and 
move  the  haiitl  forward  about  eighteen  inches;  then  raise  the  left 
elbow  and  fix  it  about  six  inches  forward  from  the  side,  the  wrist  in 
front  of  it  and  three  or  four  inches  higher,  holding  the  liand  slightly 
flexed,  its  i)alm  backward  and  fingers  pointing  upward,  and  lay  the 
back  of  the  opened  right  hand  on  the  left  forearm  near  the  elbow-joint. 
(Dakota  IV.)     "(living  birth  to,  and  liolding  in  the  arm." 

The  right  arm  is  flexed  and  hand  brought  against  abdomen  about  the 
umbilicus.  The  hand  is  in  position  (S  1) ;  modified  by  being  inverted. 
The  hand  with  palm  towards  the  body  then  roughly  describes  "  the 
curve  of  Cams"  or  course  of  the  ftetus  in  delivery.  The  sign  is  com- 
pleted at  end  of  curve  by  the  hand  being  held  erect,  palm  outwj,rd, 
back  towards  the  body.    (Oto  I.)    "That  which  hath  come  forth." 

Uight  and  left  hands  carried  to  the  left  breast  as  if  holding  a  very 
small  infant  there.     (Comanche  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  siffus. — By  sucking  the  finger  and  placing  the  hands 
a  small  <listance  apart  to  denote  the  size  of  the  child.     (Ballard.) 

Dandle  an  imagiiuiry  baby  in  the  arms.     (Larson.) 

To  move  the  arms  as  if  to  dandle  a  baby  in  the  arms.     (Zeigler.) 

Boy. 

Hold  up  the  index-finger.  (Dodge.)  "This  is  used  when  indicating 
my  hoy,  as  when  given  alone  it  would  also  signify  Hjaw." 

Right  hand  tigiitly  closed ;  then  i>lace  it  before  the  body,  extend  the 
index  pointing  n[>ward.     (Almtroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Place  the  han<l  in  first  position  for  iHan,  then  open  all  of  the  fingers 
aud  move  the  hand  to  t'.e  right  about  a  foot  to  the  height  of  the  boy 
referred  to,  the  hand  to  be  horizontal,  pointing  forward,  and  its  back 
upward.     (/>rtA«>/rt  IV.)     "Male  one." 


:>? 


Hoy,  fjiil 


Tho  most  natural  sifjiis  descriptive  of  tlie  sexual  organs.   ( Co'nanche  I.) 
(lirl. 


.loin  the  two  outstretcluMl  thumbs  and  forefingers  and  plfiee  them  be- 
fore the  crotch.  (liven  when  conversing  with  a  person  little  acupiainted 
witli  signs.     {Dodge.) 

Sign  for  Sqiiaw.  To  indicate  stature,  hold  the  hand,  i)alm  down 
and  fingers  extended  and  Joined,  at  the  proper  height.     (Arapahn  I.) 

Pass  the  flat  extended  hands,  fingers  joined,  down  the  sides  of  the 
head  as  far  as  tin;  shoulders,  when  they  are  drawn  forward  and  outward 
a  short  distance,  ending  with  the  tips  ]>ointing  towards  one  another  and 
palms  down.  Then  hold  the  left  hand  and  arm  transversely  before  the 
body,  i)ointing  to  the  right,  and  pass  the  right  index  (h)wnward  along 
the  abdomen,  i)assing  it  underneath  the  left  hand,  then  outward  and 
upward,  holding  the  index  as  high  as  the  face.  [Absuroka  I;  Shonhoni 
and  Bmialc  I.)    "  Woman  born." 

Make  the  sign  forlil^oinail  and  designate  age  approximately  by  the 
distance  the  right  hand  is  held  from  the  ground,  i.  e.  the  child's  lieight. 
The  longer  hair  denotiuf,  the  sex  an  i  t^e  height  age.     [Dakota  I.) 

First  make  the  signfor  WoiliaA ;  ih  mi  move  the  hand,  back  forward, 
down  to  the  height  of  the  girl  referred  to,  turning  the  fingers  upward 
and  slightly  flexing  them  and  gathering  their  ends  (thund)  included) 
into  a  circle  about  two  inches  in  dia/neter.  {Dakota  IV.)  "The  women 
wear  the  hair  behind  the  ears  and  plaited." 

Right  hand  carried  to  the  navel,  then  with  extended  palm,  fingers 
together  antl  pointing  downward,  move  the  hand  downward  to  tlie 
groins,  an<l  then  outward,  palm  still  downward  and  fingers  together. 
(Comanche  I.) 

Kxteiid  the  left  forearm  at  an  angle  of  40°,  forward  and  upward  from 
the  elbow,  place  the  extended  flat  right  hand  with  the  outer  edge 
against  the  middle  of  the  forearm,  then  draw  the  left  towards  the 
breast,  the  right  retaining  its  relative  position  while  doing  so.     ( Ute  I.) 

Both  hands  arched  or  curved,  palms  facing  and  about  fonr  inches 
apart ;  then  place  the  right  hand,  fingers  extended  l)ut  joined,  to  the 
left  breast.    {Apache  I.) 

Ott'spring. 

Pass  the  hand,  fingers  extended  downward  ami  joined,  i)alm  toward 
the  body,  downward,  close  to  and  in  front  of  the  body,  changing  the 
direction  (mtward  between  the  thighs;  literally,  " out  of  the  loins,"  or 
else  imj)lying  the  act  of  parturition.     {Arapnho  I.) 
8 


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If 

il 

;!.' 


Ih  '*  deiiotetl  by  iislif,'litl.v  varied  diiiiib  show  of  isHuance  from  tlie  loins," 
the  line  traced  sliowins  a  close  diagnosis  of  parturition.    (Dakota  I.) 

The  rifjht  hand,  back  forward,  in  the  ])osition  of  an  index-hand  point- 
ing downward,  is  held  before  the  abdomen  and  then  moved  downward 
and  forward  in  a  cnrve.     [Mandun  and  HidaUa  I.) 

Place  the  left  elbow  against  the  side  of  the  chest  and  bring  the  hand 
up  to  within  about  eight  or  ten  inches  of  the  face,  then  lay  the  right  tlat 
hand  edgewise  transversely  into  the  angle  formed  by  the  left  arm  and 
forearm.     [Wyundot  I.) 

Children.    Young  men  and  women. 

Both  hands  closed  and  held  at  the  height  of  the  shoulders  before  the 
body,  forettiigers  straight  and  extended,  pointing  upward;  move  them 
up  and  down  alternately  and  rei»eatedly.  {Absaroka  I ;  Shonhoni  and 
Banak  I.)     "The  individuals;  represented  by  the  sign  for  man." 

Cliinaiiiaii. 

Place  the  tips  of  the  riglit  hand,  thumb,  and  fingers  together,  then 
from  the  center  or  top  of  the  head  make  a  si)iral  movement  downward 
and  in  front  of  the  shoulder  reaching  as  far  as  tlie  hip.  {Absaroka  I ; 
Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)     "  Itepresents  tlie  queue." 

Cinnabar.    See  Color,  Ycrniilion. 

Clean. 

With  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  both  hands,  an  are  of  a  circle 
(semicircle),  rest  of  fingers  closed,  and  then  the  hands  are  carried 
downward  at  the  sides  of  the  face  in  front  of  body  below  the  breasts, 
tips  of  fingers  and  thumb  looking  inward,  r  I  complete  by  making  the 
sign  for  handsome.  (Dakotal.)  "  From  '  handsome,  pretty.'  Clean, 
pretty  face  would  seem  to  be  intended." 


Clear.    (Compare  liig^lit.) 

The  hands  are  uplifted  and  spread  both  ways  from  the  head. 
bar.) 


(Dun- 


Both  hands  with  palms  downward,  fingers  extended,  pointing  straight 
to  the  front  (UV),  are  brought  together  in  front  of  the  body  on  a  level 
with  the  stomach,  and  the:,  moved  sidewise  from  each  other  on  the 
same  level  for  a  few  inclies.  (Dakotal.)  "Resembles  somewhat  the 
sign  for  broad,  and  also  for  flat,  level.  The  separation  of  two 
bodies,  the  heavier  falling  to  the  bottom  as  in  the  clearing  of  water." 

DeaJ-mnte  natural  sign. — Look  at  the  sky  and  arch  the  arms  and 
hands  towards  it,  and  move  them  apart  to  indicate  the  absence  of  ob- 
struction by  clouds.     (Ballard.) 


■w 


Clock  or  watch. 

Make  the  aif^n  for  Sun  to  the  rJKli*.  of  the  body  heifjht  of  head,  and 
then  close  all  the  Hnjjers  except  the  i  idex  which  points  upright,  carry 
the  hand  obli(iuely  downward  towani  the  rijjnt,  deacribing  with  the 
index  a  circle  decreasing  in  size  as  tiie  hand  is  carried  downward. 
( Dakota  l.)    "  Telling  time  by  the  sun's  movements." 

The  riglit  hand  with  the  index  hooked  is  made  to  describe  the  arc  of 
the  horizon  before  the  forehead.  The  left  aim  is  then  semi-extended, 
lingers  collected,  but  the  index  and  thumb  crooked  to  form  a  circle.  The 
riglit  index  in  position  (K)  now  describes  a  circle  over  the  left  index  and 
thumb  as  held  above ;  then  a  second  circle  to  indicate  hour-marks  is 
made  in  dots,  as  it  were,  then  the  arc  of  the  liorizon  is  divided  off,  as  it 
were, in  points.  (Oto andMisnouri  I.)  "Something  circular  that  marks 
the  divisions  of  daily  time." 

Clothing^.    Blanket,  robe. 

Pass  both  fists,  crossing,  in  front  of  the  breasts,  as  if  wrapping  one's 
self  up.  (  Wied.)  Sign  still  in  use,  but  nowadays  for  blanket  as  well  as 
robe.   (Matthews.) 

Kobe,  red. 


First  indicate  the  wrapping  about  the  shoulders,  then  rub  the  right 
cheek  to  indicate  the  red  color.  (  Wied.)  Here  he  means  blanket,  not 
buftalo-robe,  which  shows  that  in  his  day  the  same  radical  sign  was 
used  for  both.  (See  sign  for  Blanket.)  Buffalo  robes  were  never 
painted  of  a  uniform  color,  except  when  rubbed  with  white  or  yellow 
earth,  never  certainly  green  or  blue  throughout;  but  red,  green,  and 
blue  are  favorite  colors  for  Mackinaw  blankets.  The  signs  for  the 
colors  are  the  essential  points  to  be  noticed  in  these  descriptions.  A 
color  may  be  indicated  by  rubbing  any  object  that  posficsses  it,  or  pre- 
tending to  rub  such  an  object.     (Matthews.) 

Robe,  green. 


Indicate  the  wrapping  about  the  shoulders,  and  with  the  back  of  the 
left  hand  make  the  gesture  of  stroking  grass  upon  the  earth.  ( Wied.) 
Sanu'  remarks  are  applicable  to  thi^*  as  to  Robe,  Red,  q.  v.  (Mat- 
thews.) 

Put  them  on  in  pantomime.     (Burton.) 

Pantomimic  show  of  enveloping  oneself  in  a  blanket  as  worn  by  In- 
dians.   (Arapaho  I.) 

Both  hands  closed,  as  though  loosely  clasping  the  edge  of  a  blanket, 
and  brought  up  in  front  of  the  middle  of  the  breast,  the  left  hand  over 
the  right,  as  though  folding  the  blanket  arouiul  the  shoulders.  (Chey- 
enne I.) 


5ll 


'!( 


li'iill 


GO 

Touch  llu'  article  in  (|Uosti(>ii ;  in  its  absence,  a  pantomimic  show  of 
when  it  .slionld  be  if  present.     (Araptiho  1.) 

Is  denoted  by  erossinw;  botli  arms  in  front  of  tlie  body  on  a  level  with 
the  breast,  and  dose  to  the  body,  with  the  hands  graspiii};'  a  fold  of  the 
blanket — the  same  as  a  shawl  would  be  worn,  {fhihota  1.)  "  Krom  its 
nse  as  a  (loveriiif;'." 

From  an  upri<>lit  itosition,.just  above  the  corresponding  shoulder,  i)alm 
forward,  mo\e  ea(!ii  hand  across  the  (!hest,  and,  gradually  rotating  the 
hand  until  its  ]>alin  is  backward,  jdace  it  against  the  opposite  shoulder, 
crossing  the  forearms  on  the  (ihest,  then  rub  the  back  of  the  left  hand 
with  the  ends  of  the  fingers  of  the  right.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Wrapping  a 
blanket  around  the  shoulders." 

Use  both  hands  as  il  drawing  a  blanket  around  the  body  and  shoulders, 
crossing  the  forearms  over  the  breast  in  doing  so.     (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

The  arms  aie  Hexed  an<l  hands  in  type  position  (H)  crossed  on  the  front 
of  breast.  Tiicn  witlidrawn  open  downwards  and  outwards  over  limbs. 
Sometimes  l)ot!i  haids  in  above  i»()sitions  are  made  simply  to  touc^h  suc- 
cessively limbs,  body,  and  arms.  (Oto  I.)  ''That  which  wrajts  or  in- 
closes me." 

The  left  palm  is  laid  upon  the  chest,  then  both  hands  are  oi)ened  and 
thrown  hnv.k  on  a  level  with  the  shoulders.  The  hands  are  now  gradu- 
ally crossed  on  the  lu'east,  being  chtsetl  fist-like  as  they  come  together. 
(Oto  and  Mmouri  I.)  "The  manner  of  folding  something  over  the 
body." 

Fold  arms  aeross  the  breast,  signifying  drawing  the  blanket  about  the 
shoulders.     (Sahaptin  I.) 

Elevate  both  haiuls  clinched  (A.)  on  u  level  with  the  shoulders  and 
then  Jerk  them  across  to  the  opposite  shoulder  after  the  manner  of  wrap- 
ping up  in  a  blanket  when  it  is  cold.  For  a  buttalo  robe  the  sign  is  the 
same,  oidy  a  previous  sign  indicating  the  robe  is  used.     (Comanche  I.) 

Of  skin,  or  a  buffalo  robe. 


The  hands  are  i)laced  near  the  shoulders,  as  if  holding  the  ends  of  the 
robe,  and  then  crossed,  as  if  drawing  the  robe  tight  around  the  shoulders. 
(Long.) 

Combine  signs  for  Clothing',  IWoolen  Blanket,  and  Buf- 
falo.    (Ariqmho  I.) 

Sign  for  Nkin  followed  by  sign  for  Blanket.    (Cheyenne  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Bnflklo,  and  then  the  sigu  for  Blanket. 

(Dakota  I.)     "  From  its  use  as  a  covering." 


r;i 

Hotli  liiiiidswith  tliiiiiihsaiKl  tnrctiii},a>i-s  extended  (K  l),biick  oI'IdukIh 
oiitwiinl.  lire  brought  to  the  sides  of  tlie  head  and  carried  downward 
sli>f|itiy  ill  front  of  the  sides  of  tiie  body  to  tlie  level  of  tlie  lower  ribs 
where  the  hands  are  tnrned  so  the  t'iuinl)s  and  foreHii;{ers  point  down- 
ward. I'aiits,  eoat,  and  every  otiier  t>:aniu>iit  innst  be  pointed  to  the 
position  where  worn.     (Dakota  I.)     "The  entire  coviTiiift  of  a  person." 

Make  the  sijjii  for  wrajipiiifj  a  blanket  around  the  shoulders,  and  then 
to  iihlieate  the  hair  on  tiiv  rol)e,  hold  tlie  left  forearm  horizontal  and 
directed  oblicpiely  forward  and  toward  the  riylit,  and  move  the  right 
hand  alonjf  it  from  the  elbow  to  the  wrist,  the  ba(!k  of  the  rijjlit  hand 
ajiainst  the  forearm,  its  finders  and  tiiniiib  somewhat  curved  and  sepa- 
rated, pointiii};'  upward  (as  in  P).     {Dakota  IV.) 

Coat. 


Separate  the  thumb  and  iiidex-tiiiffer  of  each  hainl,  and  jiress  them 
downward  over  the  sides  of  the  body.  (  Wied.)  1  have  desirribed  a  sij;n 
mu(!li  the  same  for  shirt.  Perhaps  he  rej^arded  the  Indian  huiitiii<;-sliirt 
as  a  coat,  since  it  is  used  as  an  outside  {garment.  The  motion  he  de- 
scribes depicts  the  pulling  down  of  a  shirt  over  the  head,  not  the  jiut- 
ting  on  of  a  coat  of  European  fashion.  Coats  must  have  been  rare 
among  the  Upper  Missouri  Indians  in  IS.Jl.  II(!  says  that  the  tliuinb 
and  forefinger  are  sejiarated  (but  being  thus  mentioned  together  he 
evidently  saw  them  ajiproximated).  I  have  described  them  as  in  con- 
tact. Perhajts  the  sign  is  variable  to  this  triHing  degree  even  when 
made  by  the  same  person,  the  mere  indi(;ation  of  the  pulling  down  of  the 
shirt  being  the  essential  point.     (MatthetVH.) 

With  the  fingers  held  as  for  DreMM,  Tunic,  but  with  the  thumbs 
pointing,  first  carry  the  right  hand  along  the  left  arm  from  the  wrist  to 
the  shoulder  and  the  left  hand  along  the  right  arm.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  (Cov- 
ering the  arms." 

The  left  arm  is  partially  elevated  and  semi-extended  in  a  passive  man- 
ner from  the  body.  The  right  hand  is  then  brought  over  the  extended 
left  in  type-position  ( W).  The  back  of  hand  iikhc  arched,  and  is  drawn 
up  over  the  left  arm  and  vice  vertia.  The  fingers  of  both  hands  are  then 
twisted  over  each  other  at  points  from  the  neck  down  the  chest  a.s  in 
buttoning.  (Oto  and  Minsonri  I.)  "Something  that  covers  our  arms 
and  is  buttoned  around  the  body." 

Deaf  mute  natural  siffm. — Indicated  by  moving  the  hands  along  the 
arms  up  toward  the  shoulders.     (Ballard.) 

Take  hold  of  the  front  lajipel  of  tlie  coat  with  one  hand  to  make  a 
movement  of  it  back  and  iTont,  an«l  iioint  to  it  with  the  other,  nodding 
the  head  as  if  to  indicate  goods  of  the  same  kind.     (Hasenstab.) 


62 


'"^ 


DreHH,  Tiini<!, 


Ill  '. 


;!..::'^i 


VVitli  tli«  tort'fliifjei'8  <>xt<'n(l«'<l  iiiitl  ixiiiitiii^  inward,  ItackH  forward, 
and  tliunihs  (>\tcnd(><i  and  puintint;  backward,  tlic  otiicr  tIngcrH  dosed, 
move  tlic  liandH  troni  tlui  front  of  tlu^  slionlderH  downward  to  the 
waist.  (Dakota  IV.)  "TiiC!  motion  of  passing  a  garinont  over  the  liea<l 
and  covering  the  body  from  tlie  slioidderH  down." 

Sliirt,  hnntin^;. 


The  forefinger  and  thumb  «o  opposed  as  to  form  a  curve  arc  passed 
iH'ar  tlie  surface  of  the  body,  from  tiie  forehead  to  the  abdoiniMi.   (Long.) 

Forefingers  pointing  towards  tlie  hips,  brouj^lit  nj)  along  the  sides 
and  abo\e  the  shoulders  and  pointed  backwards.  This  sign  may  be 
reversed.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

8ame  as  the  si^n  for  Clothing'.    (Dakota  I.) 

The  tips  of  the  thumbs  of  each  hand  are  opposed  to  one  or  more  of 
the  (corresponding  fingers  an<l  t';e  hands  are  then  passed  rapidly  down- 
ward in  front  from  the  top  of  the  head  to  below  the  stonnich.  (Mandan 
and  Ilidatm  I.) 

Trowsers. 


With  the  fingers  held  as  for  Tlillic,  carry  the  hands  from  the  knees 
ujiward  to  the  waist.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Cloud. 

Jiegin  with  the  sign  of  water,  then  raise  the  two  hands  as  high  as  the 
forehead  and,  placing  them  with  an  inclination  of  1.5°,  let  them  gently 
cross  one  another.    (Dunbar.) 

(1)  Both  hands  partially  closed,  palms  facing  and  near  each  other, 
brought  up  to  level  with  or  slightly  above  but  in  front  of  the  head ;  (2) 
suddenly  separated  sidewise,  describing  a  curve  like  a  scallop;  this  scal- 
loj)  motion  is  repeated  for  "many  clouds."    (Cheyenne  I.) 

Both  arms  fully  extended  at  the  sides  of  the  body  with  hands  hori- 
zontal, straight  out,  palms  downward  (W),  are  brought  together  with  a 
curved  motion  in  front  of,  but  higher  than,  the  head,  so  that  the  tips  of 
the  lingers  meet  backs  of  hands  upward  \\¥).  (Dakota  I.)  Kesembles 
the  sign  for  JVig'ht  or  Darkne!>»8.  "  The  coming  together  of  clouds. 
Darkness  in  the  heavens." 

CloudinesM,  (laiiipness. 

May  be  signified  by  making  the  sign  for  $$iiloke,  the  hand  ascend- 
ing, then  descending,  by  constantly  revolving  motion.    (Arapaho  I.) 


I 


..    { 


68 

Cliib. 

Point  to  a  piocc of  wood  with  tlie  rijjht  iinlox  (HI),  and  tlu'ii  strike  tlio 
palm  of  tii«  lliit,  liorizoiital  left  liiiiid  (X),  iield  in  fVont  of  tin'  body, 
fin^erM  pointing  toward  tlie  ri>;lit,  with  tlui  cdfre  ot  tlic  (Inyors  of  the 
ri>?iit  erosswi.se.     (Dakota  I.)     "  From  strikinj;  witli  a  elub." 

Coal. 

Tiie  h'ft  hand  is  carried  (h)wii  and  liehl  at  the  level  of  and  in  front  of 
the  left  breast  from  a  little  higher  elevation,  with  palm  inward,  liiifiers 
joined  extended,  sli^^htly  arehed,  and  pointing  towards  the  ri^ht,  liand 
horizontal  (bank  or  IK.tl'),  and  then  the  right  hand  in  the  same  position, 
except  ends  of  extended  tintjers  jtointin^j;  toward  the  left,  is  carried  out 
in  front  of  the  body,  and  its  back  struck  several  tinuis  against  the  i)alm 
of  the  left  (hard),  and  then  the  right  index  is  carried  from  left  to  right 
along  the  middle  of  the  palm  of  the  yet  stationary  left  (this  indicates 
the  vein  of  coal,)  and  tiieii  the  left  hand  isdro]»ped  down  in  front.  Tlie 
thickness  of  the  vein  itself  and  its  depth  below  the  surface  can  also  be 
approxinnitely  indicated  in  this  sign.  No  written  language  could  con- 
vey to  the  mind  a  more  graphic  picture  than  does  this  to  the  person 
who  has  ever  ascended  the  Missouri,  an<l  seen  the  veins  of  coal  croj>ping 
out  of  the  river  blurt's  aiul  banks.  [Dakota  1.)  "A  vein  of  coal  crop- 
ping out  of  a  bank." 

Coflbe. 

Left  hand  fist  (A.  j.)  held  to  the  left  side  of  body  in  front  of  stomach, 
the  right  hand  bnmght  over  it,  en«l  of  iudex  resting  on  end  of  thumb 
(other  fingers  closed),  back  of  hand  upward ;  then  the  right  is  turned  in 
a  circular  manner  as  though  turning  the  handle  of  an  upright  coft'ee- 
mill.  The  sign  for  Kettle  can  be  made  to  indicate  the  boiling  of  the 
coftee  or  the  sign  for  Drinkiiuj  to  indicate  that  it  is  made,  {Dakota  I.) 
"  From  the  grinding  of  the  coftee." 

The  arms  are  semi-extended  and  hands  (as  in  type-posture  [V  1)  modi- 
fled  by  being  liorizontal)  nuule  to  rub  circularly,  the  palms  slightly 
separated  This  is  followed  by  signs  for  Water,  Fire,  and  Drink. 
{Oto  I.)  "  Something  to  be  ground,  then  subjected  to  tire  and  water,  and 
drunk." 


Coin. 

A  shaking  of  fingers  and  thumbs. 


{Macgowan.) 


The  fiugers  of  the  right  hand  closed,  leaving  the  thumb  and  iiulex 
curved,  with  tips  joining,  thus  forming  a  circle.  The  hand  is  then  held 
outward  toward  the  right  side,  showing  the  circle  to  the  observer. 
(Absaroka  1;  IShoshoni  and  Banak  1.)     "  Round,  like  silver  or  gold  coin." 

Join  the  tips  of  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  same  hand,  t"ie  inte- 
rior outline  approximating  a  circle.    {Arapaho  I.) 


! 

: 

i  i 


y 
'J 


, 
U 


.  ^i 


'm 


m 


(i4 

Till!  iiriii  is  raised  to  Mio  lioiul,  iiiid  t\w  nH:lit  imhw  fiii^or  liookoil 
<I(>s(Tib(>s  till'  liiitinaiU  of  tlitt  t'orcliciul  in  si^rn  for  H'hite  mail  (»r 
Aiiu'iicaii.  The  aniKs  then  (liverj;e  wave  like  from  the  sides  of  tlie  body. 
Tlie  left  hand  is  then  bronj^ht  befori^  the  body.  The  index  and  thumb 
form  a  eiicle  in  imitation  of  the  outline  of  the  silver  dollar,  as  in  (fii). 
The  extended  rijiiit  index  fin;;er  is  then  drawn  across  the  (rirele  of  the 
left  hand  twice.  (Ofo  and  Missonvi.)  "The  round,  marked  <'urrency  of 
the  white  man." 

4'oifiiM. 

The  extended  iude:  of  tiie  riyht  hand  (the  hand  usually  back  down- 
^""lrds,  other  finders  tlexcMl)  is  grasped  by  left  hand,  palm  upwards.  In 
this  |iosition  the  index  is  usually  moved  back  anit  forth,  t.  r.,  in  and  out, 
once  or  oftener.     {Mnnilan  and  IlidatHn  1.) 

Aiistntlitdi  sit/n. — Finf>ers  of  both  handtt  closely  interlockeil,  backs  up 
and  hori:',oiital.  This  is  used  ceremonially  in  otVeriii};  their  women  to  a 
visitor  as  a  rite  of  hospitality.     {Smi/tli.) 

Colli. 

The  same  as  for  Air,  but  wiieii  anplied  to  a  pers«)n  the  ri;;ht  hand  is 
shut  ami  held  up  iu>arly  opposite  the  shoulder,  and  put  int(»  a  tremulous 
motion.     {Dunbar.) 

The  arms  with  clinched  hands  held  up  before  the  breast,  thrown  into 
a  (rcmulous  motion,  as  if  shivering;'  with  cold.    (/>»/*//.) 

(1)  l{o;h  hands,  |>;^lms  fa,!nt>'  breast,  awkwardly  closed,  as  thou^^h 
numb  with  cohl,  and  broufjlit  to  a  level  with  the  shoulders  whi«'h  ("J) 
8hru}it>ed ;  (3)  haiuls  slijihtly  motioned  downward,  forward,  ami  side- 
wise,  to  imitate  violent  trembliufi'.     {('Iitj/nnir  1.) 

Mold  the  clinched  ri^ht  hand  (or  both)  in  front  of  the  shoulder,  then 
cause  the  Hst  to  trendde  as  if  shiveriufj  from  cold.     {Pakota  VII.) 

With  both  lists  clinched  and  held  drawn  up  near  to  the  ulioeUlers, 
imitate  treudtliuf"',  as  from  cold.     (Dukoia  VI ;  HidatHU  I ;  Arikara  I.) 

iioth  hands  clinched,  cross  the  tbrearmt'.  beforo  the  breast  with  a 
trembling' motion.     [UuUit^n  I;  Arikani  I.) 

Both  arm.-<  are  uniforndy  flexed  and  nuule  tO  approach  tlu^  chest.  The 
hands  are  (in  ty|)e  posture''(n  I)  modified  by  palms  fac.inj.'  chest)  then 
made  to  trcnd>le  oefore  the  body.  ((Ho  I.)  "That  makes  me  shake  or 
trendtle.'' 


iiiil 


Klevafe  both  hands,  clinched,  to  flu^  shoulders;  tln'ii  lot  them  shiver 
a  little  iiack  and  forth.  This  si^iii,  varie«l  as  followt,  imlic^ates  chill  ami 
fever.    After  the  (!old  si{j;n  is  used,  place  both  hands  <;linched  (II)  beside 


65 

thd  tumples,  and  lot  (ho  liii{;er.s  Hy  outward,  and  diiiuli  tltein  a^^ain,  and 
let  MuMn  tl.v  outwanl  a^ain.  This  indicates  fever  in  tlie  head.  ( Comanchv  I.) 

Same  sitiu  as  for  Willt(*r.     (Apachr  1.) 

It  is. 


Wrap  up,  slindder,  and  look  disafjreeabhi.     {liiirton.) 

CroHH  both  hands  (R)  at  the  wrists  a  few  inches  in  front  of  the  hody 
on  a  h^vel  witli  tlie  breast,  and  tlien  make  a  shiv«'rin}>'  motion  witii  Itoth 
hands  and  arms.  ( Ihikota  i.)  ''  Kes<>mblessomewinit  the  sif^n  for  Hlail> 
ket ;  CO«'ei*illK'*     The  idea  of  siiiverin^^  witii  eohl." 

Drafmitte  natural  sitjiiH. — Hlnuhh'r  with  the  shonhhu.s.     {liallarii.) 

Shiver,  with  your  lists  near  the  l)reast.     (CroHs.) 

Make  a  rapid  movement  of  the  elinelied  ininds  from  and  toward  v.wh 
other  with  tin'  eyes  lifted  toward  the  jterson  spoken  to,  and  tiien  jioint 
in  tlie  direetion  from  wliieli  the  wind  is  bh>win<;',  so  as  to  indieat(>  tliat 
the  weatluM-  is  (M»hl.     (Ilasnistah.) 

To  shiver,  movin;;'  tlie  <;h)sed  fists.     (Larson.) 

Close  the  fists  and  draw  tiie  arms  towiird  tin^  body  witli  a  motion  of 
shiverin}-'.     [Zcujlvr.) 

Color. 

First  and  seeond  tinkers  of  tlie  rif^ht  hand  exten(hMl,  tiinmb  resting 
on  the  third  tinnier  whieh  v.itii  the  little  tinjrer  is  elos«'d,  are  luon;,'!!!  to 
th(^  front  of  the  body  :ind  to  the  left  side  over  the  left  hand,  which  is  held 
slifjhtly  obliipu^  (D)  on  the  left  sid*' of  the  body  about  a  loot  to  the  front 
of  the  left  breast,  and  then  tiie  two  extended  Hiifjers  of  the  rijjlit  hand 
are  rubbed  over  the  back  of  the  left  hand. 

This  is  fieneric.  The  piirticniar  color  must  be  desij;natcd  aft«'r  mak- 
iuff  this  si;;'n  in  ea(th  insiancc  by  touching  sonuHliin;;  of  that  cohtr. 
(Dakota  1.)  "  Mixinjjthe  jiaint  on  the  hand  to  see  its  color  l)ef«>re  usiny-; 
much  the  same  ;is  painters  try  ii  cohn- on  a  board,or  anything- with  a 
proper  ba(tk  f;round  to  displiiy  it." 

Ulack,  Wliite,  Red,  Hlue,  Yellow,  etc. 

With  arm  elevated,  semi  tiexeil,  the  hand  in  position  (K)  pointed  to 
these  ditterent  colors,  whether  representee'  in  the  vault  of  the  tirmament 
or  iirticles  of  dress.  White  is  somel' mcs  indicated  by  pointiii};  t(»  the 
sun,  and  bhick  by  ]»ointinji  l'»  !^"in  then  executing  si^n  for  i%o  or  the 
^llll*M  Weltili;;:.     (O/o  I.)     "  As  objects  appear." 

Black. 

Hub  the  hair  on  the  ri^lit  side  of  the  head  with  the  tlat  hand.  (  Wird.) 
Tlie  hair  of  the  Indians  beiiij!:  nciirly  always  black,  that  obie«'t  is  natur- 
ally selected  as  indi«;ation  of  tlml  color. 
1» 


>'. 


II  i^ 


ni 


.^  I  . 


66 

First  make  the  sigii  for  Color,  and  then  touch  something  black. 
(Dakota  1.)    "  Designating  a  particular  color."  . 

Kub  along  the  back  of  the  left  hand  with  the  palm  of  the  fingers  oi 
the  right,  back  of  left  up  palm  of  right  down.  Or  point  at  a  black  ob- 
ject.    (Dakota  IV.) 

Pass  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  gently  over  the  hair  on  the  right 
side  of  the  head.    (Dakota  V.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Show  the  end  of  the  nail  of  one  finger  of  the 
one  hand  with  the  forefinger  of  the  other  hand  pointing  at  it,  on  account 
of  the  color  of  the  dirt  under  the  nail.     (Larson.) 

Blue. 

With  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand  rub  the  back  of  the  left.  (  Wied.) 
It  is  conjectured  that  the  veins  on  the  back  of  the  hand  are  indicated. 

First  make  tlie  sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  something  blue. 
( Dakota  I.)      "  Designating  <!olor." 

Gray. 


First  make  the  sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  something  of  gray 
color  with  the  right  index.     (Dakota  I.)     "  Designating  color." 

Green. 


With  the  back  of  the  left  hand  make  the  gesture  of  stroking  grass 
upon  the  earth.     (  Wied.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  something  of  green 
color.     (Dakota  I.)     "Designating  color." 

Point  at  a  green  object  and  then  rub  the  radial  edge  of  the  left  hand 
with  the  fingers  of  the  right.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Colors  are  usually  desig- 
nated by  pointing  at  or  rubbing  some  object  of  the  color  referred  to." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Point  the  finger  to  grass.     (Larson.) 

Red. 


Rub  the  right  cheek  to  indicate  the  red  color.  ( Wied.)  The  red  re- 
fers to  the  paint  habitually  used  on  the  checks,  not  to  the  natural  skin. 
The  Indians  know  better  than  to  designate  between  each  other  their 
natural  color  as  red,  and  have  been  known  to  give  the  designation  red 
man  to  the  visiting  Caucasian,  wliose  blistered  skin  often  better  deserves 
the  epithet,  which  they  only  apply  to  themselves  in  conver.se  with  the 
concpieriiig  race  that  insisted  upon  it.  Tlie  author  mentions  in  another 
connection  that  the  Mandans  used  red  on  tiie  cheek  more  than  on  other 
parts  of  the  body  on  which  parts  other  colors  were  generally  displayed. 


67 

Make  the  sifjii  for  Color,  and  then  touch  any  red  object  with  the 
right  index.     {Dalota  I.)  . 

Hohl  the  left  hand  as  for  ISpotf  ed,  and  rub  its  upper  eilge  with  the 
ends  of  the  lingers  of  the  right  hand.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Rub  the  cheek  with  the  liugers.     (Dakota  VI.) 

Rub  the  right  cheek  with  the  palmar  surface  of  the  extended  fingers 
of  the  right  hand.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III',  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 
"  From  the  custom  of  coloring  the  cheeks  red." 

Rub  the  cheek  with  the  palmar  surface  of  the  extended  and  joined 
fingers  of  the  right  hand.  Sometimes  both  Iiatuls  are  used  in  commu- 
nication with  Americans.     (I'te  I.) 

Vermillion,  cinnabar. 

Rub  the  right  cheek  with  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand.  (Wied.) 
Still  in  use.     (Matthewn.) 

White. 


With  the  underside  of  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  rub  gentlj'  upon 
that  part  of  the  left  hand  which  corresponds  with  the  knitting  of  the 
bones  of  the  forefinger  and  thumb.     (Dunbar,) 

First  make  tiie  sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  anything  white  with 
the  right  index.     (Dakota  I.) 

Extend  the  left  hand,  palm  up,  fiat,  with  fingers  spread  before  the 
brdy,  and  draw  the  index  of  the  right  from  the  tip  of  the  middle  finger 
of  the  left  back  across  the  pahn  to  the  wrist.  Light  color  compared 
with  the  darkness  of  the  skin  generally.     ( Ute  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Point  the  finger  to  the  human  skin.  (Lar- 
son.) 

Yellow. 

Sign  for  Color,  and  then  touch  something  yellow.  (Dakota  I.) 
"Designating  color." 

Comb. 

Curve  the  si)read  fingers  of  the  right  hand  into  a  half  circle,  then 
pass  them  over  the  hair  of  the  right  side  from  above  downward,  as  if 
combing  one's  self.  The  hand  is  then  brought  forward  again,  still  in 
the  same  condition,  to  indicate  the  object.     (Dakota  V.) 

Combat.    See  Battle. 

Come,  To;  to  arrive. 

The  forefinger  move<l  from  right  to  left  with  an  interrupted  motion  as 
if  imitating  the  alternate  movenuMit  of  stejjpiiig.     (Dunbar.) 


fi8 


Elevate  the  index  fiiifjer  near  the  face,  exten<l  the  hand,  and  return  it 
witli  a  number  of  fjentle  jerks.  (  Wierh)  The  simple  idea  of  "come"  is 
expressed  by  a  straight  and  unvar,vin}>:  motion  of  the  finger,  as  you 
imitate  in  your  remark.  Prince  W.  gives  here  a  variation  which  signi- 
fies coming  from  a  distance  or  making  a  Journey  with  halts,  lie  says 
"gentle  jerks;"  I  say  "wavering  motion."  We  both  mean  the  same 
thing.  The  interruption  of  motion  may  indicate  nightly  camps.  {Mat- 
thetoit.)  The  right  arm  extended  with  the  hand  in  type-position  (K  1), 
index  a  little  more  opened,  pointing  to  the  individual,  then  describing 
an  arc  towards  the  body  with  nli(fht  jerkim/,  the  index  sharply  hooked. 
There  appears  to  be  reasonable  similarity  to  Wied.  It  is  probable  that, 
were  the  latter  desci'iption  more  explicit,  with  some  allowance  for  mis- 
interpretation, the  identity  of  the  concejjtions  and  similarity  of  signs 
would  be  more  i>lain.  (Boteler.)  "To  approach  or  draw  near  unto  in 
both." 

(1)  Forefinger  of  right  hand  pointed  to  person  a^ldressed,  the  finger 
tips  i)ointing  upwards  and  palm  inward ;,  (2)  hand  drawn  toward  face. 
In  rapid  communication,  the  pointing  with  the  forefinger  is  superseded 
by  a  motion  of  the  whole  hand  towards  the  object  addressed.  The  back 
of  the  hand  is  kept  towards  the  person,  the  finger  tips  upward,  palm  in- 
ward, and  motion  nuide  towards  the  sjteaker's  face  with  the  first  two  or 
three  fingers  of  his  right  hand.     {Cheyenne  I.) 


iii 


Hold  the  left  hand  a  foot  in  front  of  the  chest,  its  back  forward, 
fingers  pointing  a  little  upwanl  toward  tlie  right,  ami  bring  the  i)alm 
of  the  right  hand  backward  against  it  smartly,  the  fingers  of  tlie  right 
pointing  a  little  upward  toward  the  left.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Klevate  the  right  hand,  back  forward,  (piickly  elevate  the  index  and 
throw  it  back  into  its  place  again,     {Dakota  VI;  HidaUa  1;  Arikara  I.) 


M 


The  right  arm  is  extended  forwards  nearly  or  ipiite  to  full  length,  the 
right  hand  erected  by  full  flexion  of  the  wrist,  making  the  ba(;k  of  the 
hand  look  forwards,  the  index  only  is  extended.  Then  the  hand  is 
drawn  inwards  close  to  the  chest.  This  is  used  for  Come  in  both  an 
indicative  and  imperative  sense.     {Mandan  and  Hidatna  I.) 

i'lace  the  closed  hand,  flexed  at  the  wrist  and  pointing  ui)ward,  palm 
toward  the  face  at  arm's  length  to  the  front  and  right  of  the  body,  ele- 
vate the  index,  and  bring  it  slowly  in  jerks  toward  the  body.  {Kaioica 
I;  Comanche  III',  Apache  11;   Wichita  11.) 

(In  the  imperative.) 

Right  hand  extended  length  of  arm,  i)alm  Uf. '^ard  (Y),  bring  it  to  you. 
The  same  sign  is  used  by  whites  in  the  States,     ^'Somanche  1.) 


ilf 


;'f    V 


r>!» 


I  or  w(>. 

IMacc  both  liamls  imlin  to  palm,  and  pass  them  in  gentle  and  inter- 
mitted arched  movi ments  to  the  front,  resembling  the  motion  of  walk- 
ing.    {Pai-ilel.) 

Jiack. 


lieckon  in  the  European  way,  and  draw  the  foretinger  toward  your- 
self.   {Burton.) 

(1)  Sign  for  Wo  anay;  (2)  sign  for  Coilie;  that  is,  gone  away  and 
come  back.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  sign  can  be  made  by  a  simple  motion  of  the  right  hand  perpen- 
dicidar,  held  at  the  arm's  extended  capacity  at  the  side  of  the  body  and 
drawn  back  toward  the  left  in  front  of  the  body,  provided  the  person 
being  called  back  is  near  enough  to  see  it.  [Dakota  I.)  "Calling  a 
person  back." 

Deaf-mule  natural  mgn. — Stretch  out  the  hand  to  denote  going  away, 
and  then  move  it  towards  one's  self.     {Ballard.) 

Here. 


The  hands  stretched  outward  with  the  palm  under,  and  brought  back 
with  ii  curve  motion  downward  and  inclining  to  the  body.     {Dunbar.) 

Beckon  with  the  foretinger  as  is  done  in  Eurojte,  not  as  is  done  in  the 
East.     {Burton.) 

(1)  The  sign  for  Come  is  first  niaile;  (2)  drooped  fingers  slightly  ex- 
tended and  reversed  from  position  assumed  in  making  the  sign  for 
"come;"  (.3)  suddeidy  dropped  to  indicate  desired  position.  {Chey- 
enne I.) 

IMace  the  right  index  upright,  back  forward,  at  height  of  shoulder,  at 
arm's  length,  other  fingers  closed,  thumb  against  middle  finger,  then 
bring  the  hand  near  to  the  shoulder.     {Dakota  IV.) 

The  right  arm  was  extended  and  the  hand  in  ty|)e-i)Osition  (K  1), 
modified  by  beinj;:  held  back  outward  and  downward,  palm  upward 
and  inward,  was  made  to  point  with  index  to  the  object.  The  arm  is 
then  gradually  and  nnif«)rndy  flexed  toward  the  body;  the  hand  in 
above  position  approaching  the  body,  palm  ui)war<l,  in  a  semicircle  or 
by  jerks,  the  index  sharply  hooked.  {Oto  and  ^fmour^  I.)  "  Draw  near 
me." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Moving  the  hand  toward  one's  self.  {Bal- 
lard.) 

Use  the  open  hand  as  if  to  beckon  to  somebody  to  come,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  nod  the  head.     {Hasenstab.) 


|;,J 


m 

m 

m 

■Vm 


70 


Come  to  this  pliuie,  To. 


'       I 


Make  tlie  sijjn  for  Come,  and  as  tlie  liaiid  is  broiifjht  in  tront  ot 
tlie  body  throw  the  palm  against  the  horizontal  palm  of  the  left  hand. 
(Kuioiral',  Comanche  III;  Apache  11]  ^Ykhita  U.) 

Coming:  (participle). 

Hight  hand  and  arm  extended,  hand  clinched,  index-finger  pointing 
outward.  Then  bring  the  hand  slowly  to  the  body,  the  index-finger 
meanwhile  moving  backward  and  forth,  as  if  it  alone  were  motioning 
some  one  to  come.    {Comanche  1.) 

Arrival  from  a  great  distance. 


The  hand  is  placed  as  in  Come,  but  as  far  to  the  front  as  possible, 
and  then  drawn  slowly  toward  the  body,  sometimes  with  a  laterally 
tortuous  motion.     (MatuJan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Of  a  person  ;  to  arrive  ;  soon  to  be  here. 


Place  the  forefinger  in  a  vertical  ])oaiti«Mi,  with  the  arm  extended  to- 
wards the  point  from  which  the  person  came,  or  is  to  come,  then  bring 
it  gradually  near  the  body,  but  not  in  contact  with  it,  or,  it  he  continued 
on,  carry  it  in  the  direction  he  passed.     (Lontf.) 

Clap  the  hands,  elevating  the  index  .  nger  of  the  right  hand.     (  Wied.) 

Is  always  used  in  connection  with  the  object  acting;  for  instance,  ap- 
proaching objects  are  pointed  out,  described,  enumerated,  and  sign  for 
"come"  made  from  the  direction  of  the  ai)proaching  object  to  the  front 
of  the  person  speaking.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Of  a  person. 


Right  arm  fully  extended  to  the  right  side  of  the  bo<ly  (wliiiih  must 
be  so  ]>laced  that  the  hand  in  this  position  will  jwint  in  tlie  direction 
in  which  the  person  is  coming),  forefinger  extended,  straight,  upright, 
resting  on  the  thumb  extended  along  it  (other  fingers  closed),  back  of 
hand  outward ;  bring  the  hand  to  the  body  (breast)  in  this  position  by 
a  series  of  Jerking  movements  (nearly  stop]>ing  its  motion),  in  imitation 
of  the  stepping  of  the  coming  i)erson.  From  tlie  toalking  movementu  of 
the  approachinp  permn.  Come, — In  the  sense  of  he  Han  come;  he  Has 
arrived ;  he  Is  here.  On  the  completion  of  the  above  sign,  claj)  the 
hands  once  at  the  left  side  of  the  body,  indicating  the  person  has  come 
to  his  Journey's  eiul.     {Dakota  I.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  at  arm's  length,  a  little  higher  than  theshouhler, 
palm  turned  toward  the  face,  ami  index  elevated;  then  bring  it  back- 
ward in  an  interrupted  motion  to  near  the  breast,  where  the  left  palm  is 
held  edgewise,  pointing  forward,  when  the  ball  of  the  right  hand  is 
brought  against  it  with  a  slaj).     {Dakota  VII.) 


71 


Towiiid  you. 


Right  hand  flat  and  exttMxlcd,  hehl  edgewise,  thrust  the  hand  forward 
in  a  curve  eitlier  upward  or  downward.     (Omaha  I.) 

Ikaf-muie  untnral  nign. — Stretch  up  the  o[)en  hand  over  the  sliouhler 
or  the  liand,  indicating  the  height  of  the  person  coming,  next  point  to 
him,  and  then  use  the  open  hand  as  if  to  beckon  to  come,  and  at  the  same 
time  nod  the  head.    (fftiHenHtnb.) 

Coiii|ianion ;  in  company.    (Compare  Relationship.) 

The  two  forefingers  are  extended  and  placed  together,  with  their  bairks 
upward.     This  sign  is  also  used  for  HllMband.     {Long.) 

Two  forelingers  held  motionless  together,  touching  throughout  their 
length  in  front  of  breast,  backs  ui)ward.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

The  forefinger  of  each  hand  extended,  pointing  straight  to  the  front 
and  joined  (all  other  lingers  of  both  hands  closed),  hands  horizontal, 
backs  ui)ward,  on  level  of  the  stonnich,  and  close  to  the  body,  are  car- 
ried forward  for  about  eighteen  inches  with  a  curved  upwai'd  movement, 
so  that  when  the  sign  is  c(nnpleted  the  fingers  are  on  a  level  with  the 
upper  i)art  of  the  breast,  pointing  obliipu'ly  upward.  {Dakota  I.)  "  In- 
separable, united,  equal." 

The  arms  are  flexed  before  the  body  and  the  hands,  in  type  position 
(S),  ajiproxiinated  palms  in  contact,  before  the  chest.  The  arms  are 
then  semi-extended,  and  the  indices  in  type  position  (J),  horizontal,  are 
crossed,  the  hands,  thus  "  in  s(7h,''  describe  a  wave-like  motion  forward, 
as  in  going  on  one's  way  together  with  one  to  wlunn  we  are  attached. 
{Oto  and  Minsouri  I.)     "A  friend  who  is  dear  and  accompanies  me." 

Both  hands  closed  (iH)  and  brought  withiu  two  inches  of  each  other, 
iudex-fingers  ])ointing  outward,  then  let  both  hands  move  outward  a 
foot  or  so.     {Comanche  1.) 

Traveling.     See  Friend. 


A: 


t   ■  ' 


For  life.    See  Hiiiitband  and  Wife,  the  Same,  Equal. 

ConipariMon;  more,  JHoxf . 

In  comparison  the  signs  for  Little  and  Big^  are  used  as  reiu-esent- 
ing  "more,"  "most."    {Dakota  I.) 

Complaisance.    (Compare  Crlad.) 

Compulsion. 

Italian  sign. — The  thumb  is  held  utuler  the  chin  to  indicate  being  laid 
under  necessity.    {Butler.) 


■i'   .'H 


1 


t< 


72 
Coiiteiiipl.    iHMiilt.    (Comptuv  DiMffiiMt.) 

Close  or  sliut  tlu!  ri/;;lit  liaiul  and  hold  it  drawn  toward  the  chest  and 
on  a  level  with  it,  with  the  palm  np  and  the  shut  finders  and  thumb 
up;  and  the  expression  of  contempt  is  {?iven  by  extending  out  the  hand 
and  arm  dire(;tl,v  in  from  the  body,  at  the  same  time  opening  the  thumb 
and  fingers  wide  and  a]>art,  so  that  at  the  termination  of  the  motion  the 
arm  is  nearly  extended  and  the  thutnb  and  fingers  all  radiating  out  as 
if  it  were  from  the  center  of  the  hand,  and  the  palm  of  the  hand  still 
pointing  upward.     (Ojibwa  III.) 

Indicate  by  turning  from  the  object,  move  both  hands  and  arms  to 
right  or  left,  with  ])alms  outward,  as  if  in  the  act  of  pushing  away  the 
person  or  object ;  stand  erect  or  lean  back  a  little.    (Ojibwa  IV.) 

My  observations  agree  with  Dr.  Matthews, connection  with ''bad,"  (see 
p.  2(),  Introduction  to  the  8tudy  of  Sign-Language,  by  (t.  Mallery),  and 
also  with  Gillillan  {loco  citnto),  hh  expressing  the  highest  degree  of  "con- 
tempt;" at  tlie  same  time  the  contemi>t  is  expressed  bj'  facial  emotions. 
(JJdlota  I.)     "  Derivative  of  bad." 

This  is  exi)ressed  by  the  sign  for  Bad,  l)ut  the  motion  is  more  forci- 
bly made.  If  the  i)erson  at  whose  expense  the  sign  is  made  is  itfesent, 
the  hand  is  moved  toward  him  and  the  face  is  sometimes  averted  from 
him.     (ManiJan  and  IIulatHa  I.) 

Italian  Kif/n. — Thrust  out  the  forefinger  and  the  little  finger,  calling  the 
gesture  by  a  name  very  similar  in  sound  to  "fig."  "To  turn  up  the 
nose  at"  (English  phrase)  is  translated  into  the  Italian  gesture  by  doing 
the  thing  it  «lescribes,  and  possibly  owes  its  origin  to  the  same  gesture. 
{Hut  lev.) 

Content.    See  Glad. 

Corn. 

Same  as  the  sign  for  the  Arikara  Indiana,  which  see.  Planting 
corn  is  made  with  the  right  hand  nearly  as  (U),  pointing  toward  the  ground 
at  the  right  side  of  the  body,  and  moved  along  as  though  dropping  the 
grains  of  corn  into  a  hill,  and  then  the  hand  is  turned  so  tliat  the  fingers 
point  upward,  which  probably  indicates  that  the  corn  has  been  planted. 
I  am  not  aware  that  the  sign  resembles  any  other  made  by  the  Sioux, 
but  the  hand  is  invariably  turned  upward  at  the  time  indicated  above. 
{Dakota  I.)     "  From  the  planting  of  corn." 

Same  sign  as  for  Arikara.  {Kaioical;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

Collect  the  fingers  and  th"mb  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point,  pass  the 
tips  upward  from  the  height  of  the  pubis  as  high  as  the  head,  theu  pre- 


73 

tend  to  gi'iisp  ail  iinaj^insiry  object,  holding;  the  radial  Hide  of  the  liand 
downward  toward  the  left,  then  throw  the  liand  forcibly  on  its  back  over 
toward  tlie  rifjht.  Represents  the  stalk  and  the  breaking  ott' of  the  ear. 
(Utel.) 


iStanding. 


Close  the  right  hand,  extend  the  index,  hohliiig  it  npward,  back  of 
hand  near  the  ground,  and  gradnally  and  interruptedly  elevated  to  the 
height  of  the  head.    (Ute  I.) 

C'orrcct.    See  True. 

Counting;,  or  niiiiieraiion. 

The  fingers  and  thiunbs  expanded  count  ten.  In  older  to  proceed 
with  the  enumeration  by  tens  the  hands  must  be  clinched,  and  if  again 
expanded  it  counts  twenty,  and  so  on,  the  hands  being  clinched  between 
every  ten.  In  order  to  indicate  the  digits,  clinch  the  han<ls  and  extend 
the  little  linger  of  the  left  hand  for  one,  extend  also  the  ring  linger  for 
two,  and  so  on,  the  tlunnb  for  Hve  ;  these  must  remain  extended  whilst 
the  thumb  of  the  right  is  extended  for  six,  »S:c.  Any  number  within  live, 
above  any  number  of  tens,  is  indi(;ated  by  clinching  the  left  liaml  and 
crossing  the  right  over  it,  with  the  requisite  nundu'r  of  fingers  extended. 
For  the  nund)er  of  sixteen,  exhibit  the  sign  of  ten  and  then  extend  four 
lingers  and  the  two  tlnnubs  in  the  order  of  enumeratictn  ;  for  seventeen, 
proceed  by  extending  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  and  so  on  to 
twenty.  In  this  manner  any  sum  can  be  denoted,  always  holding  the 
backs  of  the  hands  upwaid.  When  enumerating  a  small  nund)er  where 
a  considerable  exertion  of  the  memory  is  recpiisite,  the  Indians  extend 
the  left  hand  with  the  palm  upward,  whilst  with  the  index  of  the  right 
the  fingers  are  successively  bent  into  the  palm,  beginning  as  before  with 
the  little  finger,  and  the  greater  difliculty  in  rettalling  to  mind  the  num- 
bers or  events  the  more  ai»parent  resistance  is  ottered  to  the  inflexion  of 
the  finger.     (Long.) 

Elevate  the  index-finger  and  move  it  forward  to  indicate  one,  twice 
for  two,  etc.     When  counting  on  the  fingers  begin  at  the  left  hand. 

( Wied) 

Show  the  required  nund)er  of  fingers ;  the  system  of  tens  obtains. 
{Arapaho  I.) 

Left  hand  held  up  to,  on  a  level  with,  and  in  front  of  the  shoulder, 
right  hand  partially  closed,  forefinger  slightly  extended  and  (2)  touched 
successively  to  the  tiiigei  s  of  the  left  hand  from  little  finger  to  forefin- 
ger.   This  is  the  abstract  idea  of  counting.    {Cheyenne  I.) 

Left  hand  (P)  extende<l  in  front  of  body,  then  with  the  right  hand,  of 
which  the  thumb  and  forefinger  are  extended  (K  1),  tap  with  the  fore- 
10 


^' 


ii  : 


74 

finder  of  the  rij^lit  liaiul  each  tinker  and  Miuiiib  of  tlio  loft  hiind  ;  clDsiiif^r 
the  tiiijrcr  at  tlit)  time  of  tii|)|>iii^,  it  indicating  that  it  has  been  counted. 
Where  ninltiples  of  ten  are  to  bo  used,  one  or  both  hands,  as  may  be 
requii«Ml,  sire  held  in  front  of  the  body  nearly  together,  witli  linfiors 
extentled,  palm  ontward,  hands  uprij^ht,  and  the  lingers  (-losed  and 
opened  as  often  as  may  be  necessary. 

Your  remiirks  on  pajje  U.'J  of  "  Introduction  to  the  study  of  sign  lan- 
guage," after  Kohl's  sign  for  "Quantity,  many,  inu(th,"are  correct.  That 
observer  has  without  doubt  confounded  these  signs,  as  1  have  seen 
many  Indians,  belonging  to  dilVerent  trilu's,  using  the  sign  he  gives  for 
quantity  in  (uuinting,  and  if  there  is  any  one  universal  sign  it  is  this  one 
for  counting.     {Dakota  1.) 

Dvufmutc  iKiliiriil  sifpis. — Move  altcrnat<!ly  each  forefinger  on  the  tips 
of  all  the  lingers.     {LdfHon.) 

Touch  the  fingers  one  after  another  with  one  linger.     {VroHx.) 

Coiiiifi*>,  liiiiKl. 

I'oint  toward  the  giound  a  short  distance  before  the  body,  slightly 
stooping,  and  directing  the  eyes  to  the  .same  point.  {Ahxtiroha  I ;  Sho- 
shnni  anil  liannk  I.)  "  When  the  countr\'  i.s  at  a  distan(!e,  the  fist  is 
thrown  toward  the  ground,  outer  edge  <lown,  at  arm's  length,  in  the 
direction  of  the  location  of  the  region." 


My. 


;!:l-;. 


First  maU(^  the  sign  for  Cttiliilry,  followed  by  that  for  ;Tlilie.  \Ab 
sariihal;  IshoHlioni  and  lianak  I.)  "When  posses.sion  is  elsewhere  the 
arm  is  extended  in  that  direction,  which,  with  the  sign  for  Posses- 
fition,  .signifies  .Ify  country,  the  sign  f(U"  the  latter  being  dropped." 

€oiirt)«lii|>. 

IMace  the  closed  right  hand  near  the  hip,  the  index  extended  and  point- 
ing forward,  the  thumb  exten«led  toward  the  left  and  ujtward  at  right 
angles  to  the  .ixis  of  the  index,  then  move  the  hand  forward  to  arm's 
length,  rotating  the  hand  and  f(H-earm  (luring  motiiui.  {Kitiowa  I;  Co- 
manche III ;  Apache  II ;    Wichita  II.) 

Cow. 

The  two  forefingers  brought  up  to  the  side  of  the  head  and  extended 
outwards  so  as  to  represent  the  i)osition  of  the  horns.     (Dunbar.) 

(I)  8ign  for  OiMon ;  C-i)  motion  of  milking  miule  with  both  hands. 
(Cheyenne  1.) 

Hold  the  crooked  right  iiulex  at  the  right  8i<le  of  the  head  to  repre- 
sent the  horns,  aud  then  make  the  sign  for  Female,  a[)i)lied  to  ani- 
mals.   (Dakota  I.)    "  Horns  and  sex." 


75 
C'ownr«l,  cowarilii'e.    Sec  Fear. 

Crane. 

Open  both  liaiidH,  move  tliein  tVoiii  tlie  sides  of  tlie  uliest  oiitwiiid  and 
baekwiird  (im  if  Hwininiii)^,  but  near  the  itody) ;  then  ehtse  the  rij^ht 
hand,  leavinjj  tlioforelin^rer  extended  and  sli{,ditly  ciiived;  i)ass  it  from 
before  tlie  chin,  npward,  forward,  and  Hli^htly  (hiwnward,  forming  an 
arc  to  indicate  tlic  h)n{^  neck  of  the  bird.     {Dakota  V.) 

Craxy  or  demented. 

liaise  rij;ht  liand,  with  ttii{j;ers  i)artly  distended,  above  the  head,  tlie 
liand  (h'oo|)iiig,  and  make  quick  (;irck's  close  around  top  of  the  liead  from 
rifiiit  to  left,  and  a  shake  of  the  head.     (Ojibica  IV.) 

Move  the  opened  rif;bt  hand  through  a  (circle  above  and  around  the 
head.     (Dakota  IV.)     "  Head  turned." 

CroiXM,  ^iilky. 

Place  dinche  1  rij;ht  liand  (C  with  thumb  close  to  foreiiead),  (urn  the 
hand  till  palm  faces  <nitward,  then  move  it  to  the  front  sliffhtly.  (Chey- 
enne 11.) 

8ame  a  ••  the  sign  for  An;;'er,  not  made  however  with  as  mu<;h  tbrce 
and  omitting  any  decided  facial  exjuession.  (Dakota  \.)  "Derivative 
of  anger." 

€'row. 

Fingers  and  thumb  of  right  hand  bi'ought  to  a  point  and  motion  of 
pecking  slightly  made.     (Cheyenne  1.) 

Ciittinjj:  anything  in  pieeew. 

Draw  the  right  hand,  palm  backward,  tingers  jtoinfed  obli(|uely  up- 
ward toward  the  left,  four  or  tive  tinu's  across  the  a<lvanced  left  hand^ 
forearm,  and  arm,  each  time  at  a  different  place.     (Dakota  IV.) 


tl  >-f 


With  an  ax. 


With  the  right  hand  Hattened  (X  changed  to  right  instead  of  left), 
palm  upward,  move  it  downward  toward  the  left  side  rei>eatedly  from 
ditlerent  elevations,  ending  each  stroke  at  the  same  jtoint.  (Dakota  1,  V.) 
"From  the  act  of  felling  a  tree." 

Repeat  the  sign  for  Ax  several  times,  making  the  cuts  from  differ- 
ent points,  but  terminating  about  the  same  place  each  time.  (Dakota 
VI;  llidatm  II ;  Ankara  I.) 

With  a  knife. 


Left  hand  (ITI  I)  extended  in  front  left  side  of  body  on  level  breast, 
and  the  right  hand  (S)  brought  crosswise  over  the  extended  tingers  just 


hi 


'H 


7f) 


!  I 


I      ttl 


i      ' 


bolow  th(v  knuckles,    (hakotn  I.)    "(hitting  iniytliinK  in  two  with  a 
knife." 

(I)  Left  liand  open,  tliittened  and  lield  on(,  tlngeiH  of  right  liand  also 
ojien  and  llattened  and  pla(!ed  above  left  hand,  little  finger  toward  palm 
of  letl  hand;  (2)  suddenly  drawn  onee  or  twi<!e  across  the  palm  of  the 
left  hand  to  imitate  tiie  a«*t  of  cutting;.     [^Vlu-jfeiim-  I.) 

With  the  right  hand,  or  index  only,  imitate  cutting  the  left  forefinger 
as  if  it  were  a  stick.     (Itakofn  VII.) 

The  hands  are  held  as  in  sign  for  Knife,  an<1  then  the  right  hand  is 
moveil  upon  the  left  crosswise  to  represent  theact  of  cutting.  (MaiuUin 
ami  Ilitlattm  I.) 

Ihiifnnitc  udtitnil  xifin. — Place  the  forefinger  of  one  hand  upon  that 
of  the  other,  and  slide  it  along  in  imitation  of  the  action.     {lialhtnl.) 

Use  the  shut  hands  as  if  to  cut  a  stick  with  a  knife.     (lIuHcnstab.) 

Malice,  C'aliiiiiet. 

The  hand  extended  with  the  edge  u|)ward,  and  with  the  arm  waved 
sideways,  with  a  motion  like  that  of  a  swing.     (Loiitf.) 

Dance,  To.    DaiiciiiK:* 

Rise  on  toes  and  fall  two  or  three  times,  the  hands  and  arms  by  the 
side  naturally.     (Ojibim  IV.) 

Fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  hooked  (E),  hand  horizontal, 
back  outward  at  the  right  side  of  the  body  is  carried  up  and  down  sev- 
eral tinu\s  with  a  moderately  quick  movement,  ending  each  at  the  same 
point,  in  imitaiion  of  the  u]>  and  down  motion  of  the  body  in  Indian 
dancing,  consisting  in  keeping  tinu^vith  the  legs  to  the  tom-tom.  {Da- 
kota I.)     "From  a  method  of  dancing." 


Daii;;-er. 

Crouch  the  body  slightly,  bend  the  knees  forward,  beiul  the  head  for- 
ward, raise  the  shoulders  a  tritie,  extend  both  hands  in  front  naturally, 
palms  down,  bend  elbow  at  nearly  right  angles,  right  hand  in  advance 
of  left,  move  both  slowly  down  a  few  inches  and  hold  still.     (Ojibwa  IV.) 

l{ight  hand  with  first  and  second  fingers  extended  (others  closed, 
thumb  resting  on  third  finger  (jV  1),  excej)!  that  the  hand  is  hori/ontal, 
back  upward),  directly  forward  in  front  of  the  right  shoulder  and  then 
drawn  back  at  the  same  time  the  body  is  thrown  back.     Cautions,  pru- 


77 

dent  are  indicated  in  tliiH  sign.  T\w  id«>a  being  tliat  tlie  ixm-hoii  Hlmll 
Ik'  cautiouH  in  his  niovenientH  as  tliere  may  Ite  danger  aliead.  {Da- 
kota I.) 

Bring  the  body  (piielily  to  an  erect  jmsture,  at  tlui  same  time  gazing 
intently  toward  tlu^  expecte*!  source  of  danger  witli  a  look  of  fright. 
( Wf/aiidot  I.) 

Phico  hand  in  front  of  breast,  tinger^  lioolved  as  thougli  li  >lding  a 
knife,  back  outward  (I*'  1,  iiorixontal  and  ba(;k  outward),  then  make 
motion  as  tliougli  cutting  out  tlie  heart,  tlrst  witli  tlie  (h)wnward  move- 
ment turning  back  of  fist  upward,  tiien  witli  the  quick  movement  \i\t- 
ward  tlirowing  back  outward  again.  ^Saliaptiit  1.)  "(Cutting  out  tlio 
heart." 

Uring  the  right  hand  from  the  riglit  side  and  back  of  tlie  body  as  if 
grasping  a  twig,  bring  the  hand  before  the  breast,  make  the  sign  for 
Battle,  for  IVo,  and  for  IwO.  (Apovhc  I.)  ''Intbrmation  of  the  coming 
of  that  which  will  cause  a  tight,  or  (|uestionable  security,  ami  a  desire 
to  go  rather  than  encounter  it." 

Dangerous. 


The  left  list  |daced  horizontally  before  the  lower  end  of  the  sternum, 
the  right  forearm  passing  before  it  pointing  to  the  front  and  left,  so  that 
the  list  is  about  four  inches  before  the  left.  Then  raise  the  left  tist 
slightly  and  throw  it  fu'ward  and  down  to  the  same  horizon  forcibly, 
followed  by  the  right  whii.h  forms  a  larger  semicir(!le  and  ceases  before 
the  left  as  previously.   {Kaioica  1;  Comaiwhe  III;  Apache  \\\  Wichita  II.) 

DarkneMM.    (Compare  IVi^lit.) 

Make  the  sign  for  j^iiii,  then  extend  the  hands  horizontall;>  forward, 
backs  upward,  and  pass  one  over  the  other  two  or  three  times  touching 
it.    (Louff.) 

lioth  hands  si)read  out  tlat  and  cross  vertically  past  each  other  before 
the  face  and  neck.     {(JhviU'nw  I.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  IVig'Lit  or  CIoikIm.     {DaJcota  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Point  at  your  eyes  partly  shut  and  then  turn 
your  face  to  the  sky  with  your  hand  waving  over  your  head.     (Cromi.) 

Daughter.    See  Relationship,  daughter. 

Day.    (Compare  JiiiB  and  V^ant ;  and  Long:,  in  la|»«e  of  time.) 

Piace  both  bands  at  some  distance  in  front  of  the  breast,  apart  and 
back  downward,  elevate  the  index  linger  and  move  it  forward  to  indi- 
cate one,  twice  for  two,  etc.  (  Wied.)  This  is  still  in  use.  The  holding 
up  of  the  index-flngers  is  not  essential.    When  the  hands  are  held  as 


TT1   *?!f^ 

\ 

• 

f  1 

1 

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1 

:   t 

'■■ ; 

1 

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i 

78 

d(\scrib('(l  tbey  arc  first  placed  near  to  one  another  and  then  moved 
ai>art,  as  yon  snggest.  Since  n)y  memory  is  assisted  I  rememl)er  tliis 
si'jn  well.  {Matthew.)  Tlierc  is  no  ol)servable  diftercnce  in  eitlier  exe- 
cntion  or  conception  between  the  sign  {(Ho  and  Mismuri  l)nuil  Wied'H, 
{Boteler.) 

Make  a  circle  with  the  thumb  ami  forefinger  of  both  liands  in  sign  of 
the  sun.     {Burton.) 

Bring  both  !i:iiids  sinniltaneonsly  from  a  i)()sition  in  front  of  the  body, 
fingers  extended  and  joined,  palms  down  one  above  the  other,  forearms 
horizontal,  in  a  circnliuly  sci)arating  manner,  to  their  respective  sides, 
palms  lip  and  forearms  horizontal;  /.<'.,  "everything  is  open."  This 
sign  is  the  reverse  of  that  for  i\'i)(lif .     {A  -npaho  \.\ 

Another  sign  may  be  indicated  by  nniiv'iig  the  sign  for  Sler|»,  and 
one  finger  touched  or  held  up  above,  bei.ig  the  etpiivalent  of  "one  sleep," 
one  day.     {Arapaho  I.) 

Korelinger  of  right  hand  crooked  an<l  held  toward  the  east  to  repre- 
sent the  SUM,  liantl  elevated,  finger  uppermost  an»l  passetl  in  a  semicircle 
d(»\vn  toward  the  west,  lloth  hands  slightly  spread  out  and  elevated  to 
a  point  in  front  and  considerably  above  the  head,  then  brought  down  in 
semicrirde  to  level  below  shoidN'rs  ending  with  outspread  palms  upward. 
{Vhi  fie  line  I) 

When  sp(>aking  of  a  day,  they  pass  the  finger  slowly  ahnig  the  entire 
vault  of  heave:;,  commencing  at  the  east  and  termiinUing  in  the  west. 
This  is  the  sign  for  "one  luiy."     {OJihwa  1.) 

Both  hands  K)osely  extended,  palms  ih)wn,  the  right  lying  (»ver  tl  e 
left;  then  r<ass  them  outward  toward  their  respective  sides  lurning  the 
palu's  up  in  so  doing.     i^AhKarolm  i;  iS//r>.v/io«t  and  Jiunak  I;  Wyandot  1.) 

iioth  liainls(%V)  arc  raised  above  the  head  the  extended  fingers  hori- 
zontal, pointing  toward  ;*ach  other  (meeting),  palms  down,  arms  neces- 
sarily somewhat  bowed.  ()i>en  u|)  the  hands  so  tiiat  the  fingeis  point 
upright  and  at  once  carry  the  arms  out  to  their  full  extent  to  the  sides 
on  the  level  of  the  shoulders,  bringing  the  palms  u[»  (X).  {Dakota  I.) 
"The  opening  of  the  day  frtun  above."     "The  dispersion  of  darkness." 

From  positions  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  lower  i>art  of 
the  chest,  tlK>  open  hands  jtointing  forward,  near  together,  palms  up- 
ward, are  to  be  separated  by  carrying  them  out  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches. 
{Dakota  IV.)     "All  '.>;;cn." 


Another:  Fvo'a  positions  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  lower 
part  of  the  cl.est,  itointing  obliquely  forward  and  inward,  palms  down- 
ward, the  rignt  two  or  tliree  inches  above  the  left,  separate  the  hands 


-   V  5    ■ 


79 

about  two  feet,  can-yinp;  eacli  one  outward  through  an  arc,  fji-adually 
tuniintj  the  palms  until  they  are  upward.  Uncovering?  the  sun.  {Da- 
kota IV.) 

A  day  is  indicated  by  making  the  sipn  for  Nun,  and  niovin}?  the 
band  thus  formed  from  the  left  horizon  to  the  rijjlit,  formin};  a  half  circle, 
and  indicatiiiff  the  course  of  the  sun  throu},di  the  sky.     (Dakota  V.) 

lii^:ht  hand  closed,  ♦ornun};  a  circle  with  the  index  and  tlunnb,  nu)ve 
the  hand  from  east  to  west,  followinj;  the  course  of  the  sun.   ( Dakota  X 1 1.) 

The  head  is  turned  toward  the  orient  and  eyes  wonderinfjly  upwards. 
The  rifjhtarni  is  then  elevated  semi-tlexed  to  level  of  left  shoulder.  The 
hand  in  position  (J  1)  modified  by  index  beinff  a  litth^  ni(U-e  opened  (aiul 
horizontal  palm  inwards).  The  hand  thus  ])oiiitinj;  toward  eastern 
horizon,  is  made  to  trav(  s  ;>  the  arc  of  the  vault  of  the  heavens,  followed 
by  the  eyes  until  it  stojjs  on  level  with  ri,',dit  shoulder,  arm  extended, 
crooked  index  iKtintinj;;  west.  {Oto  and  Mixsoini  1.)  "The  time  between 
the  rise  and  encompiissed  by  the  course  and  .settinji  of  the  sun." 

Both  tlat  hands  with  i>alms  tlown  are  held  horizontally  before  the 
breast,  tiie  ri^lit  over  the  left,  then  throw  mem  outward  toward  their 
respective  sides,  turninj,'  the  palms  u])  in  doin^'  so.  (Kaioica  1  ;  (Joman- 
die  HI:  AjkcIiv  II;    Wichita  II.) 


/t^; 

^■^ 


Close  the  right  band  leavinj;  the  index  bent  in  the  forii\  of  a  half 
circle,  the  index  also  extended,  then  pass  the  hand  from  east  to  west. 
(PaiUtel.) 

Sijrn  ma<le.  ♦or  j^iin,  and  pass  across  the  zenith  from  east  to  west. 
(Apache  !.• 

Thumb  and  ind<'x  circled;  sweep  hand  from  east  to  west  across  the 
sky.  In  rapid  use  thumb  and  index  are  ot'ti'U  parted,  and  tlie  hand  is 
8wei)t  throuf^h  a  very  sli(«"t  ant,  aot  al)ove  shoulder.     (Apache  III.) 

The  Fr.'nch  deaf  mutes  fold  the  hands  ui)oii  each  other  and  the  breast, 
then  raise  tlieri,  palms  inward,  to  beyond  each  side  of  the  head. 


To-day.     (Compare  .Ifow.) 


Touch  the  nose  with  the  index  tip,  and  nu)tion  with  the  list  toward 
the  ffronnd.     (IliirtoH.) 

(1)  Both  hands  exto".iled,  palms  outward ;  (li)  swept  slowly  forward 
and  to  each  side,  to  convey  the  idea  of  o|ienne.ss.  (Vhcijcnne  I.)  This 
may  cond)ine  the  idea  of  now  with  opcnncMs,  the  first  part  of  it  resem- 
bling the  general  deaf-uuite  sign  for  Hrre  or  rVow. 


J 


! 

t 

( 

i 

80 

J)e8ignate  the  hour  simply.    See  Hour.    {Arapuho  I.) 

Point  with  the  hand  to  the  east,  and  carry  it  slowly  overhead  to  the 
west.    (Iroquois  I.) 

First  make  the  si;;n  tor  i\ow,  and  then  the  sign  for  Day.    (Dakota 

1.)     "  Now  »vith  openness." 

Make  the  si};n  for  Day,  to  sifjnify  the  period  of  time  distinct  from 
night.  This  being  completed,  the  right  hand  was  brought  in  modified 
position  (■),  from  the  stoj)  at  right  to  the  (renter  of  forehead  and  made  to 
describe  a  semicircle  forward  from  the  body  toward  the  gn.und.  The 
finger  remains  hooke^l  and  palm  outward  and  downward.  (Oto  and 
MixHOuri  J.)     "The  day  that  is  now  before  me,  or  present  time." 

Evening. 

Forefinger  of  right  hand  crooked  as  in  sign  for  ]?loi*nill|;;,  and  h*w- 
ered  toward  the  west,  folitnved  by  the  sign  for  .'I'iKhf*     (Chnjniue  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Nllll,  aiul  hold  it  toward  the  western  horizon. 
(Ahsarohd  I ;  tSlioshoni  ami  liatiak  I.) 

The  right  hand  and  arm,  tin;  foinier  in  modified  pt)sition  (I),  intlcx  is 
more  opened;  liund  is  horizontal  and  palm  inward;  execute  the  sign  for 
Day.  At  the  completion  of  this  sign  the  hand  is  (]uickly  everted  and 
assunit'v  type  position  (.Tl);  index  is  moved  to  the  west.  In  this  sign, 
as  well  as  that  for  hdoii,  mornin<i,ilay,  tit-morroir,  i/estcnlai/,i<i.r.,  the  sub- 
ject must  be  with  his  back  to  tlu^  north  and  right  han«l  west,  ((flo  iiiul 
MisMoiiri  I.)    "  When  the  siiii  goes  down  or  at  the<>onclusion  of  HifitHf,*' 

I'oint  the  extended  index  to  the  western  hori/on,  or  a  little  lower,  by 
curving  the  index  in  that  direction,  the  palm  being  below  and  still  hori- 
xontal  with  the  shouldei.     (I'aiUtr  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Willi,  passing  the  hand  slowly  from  th*-  western 
hori/.on  to  a  short  distance  below  it,  holding  it  there  a  moioent. 
(Kaioica  I;  Comanchv  Hi  ;  Apnvhe  II  ;    Wichita  II.) 

Hour,  time  of  day. 

Join  the  tips  of  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  same  hand  the  interior 
outline  appioximatiiig  a  circle,  and  let  the  hand  pans*-  at  the  proper 
aUitU(W>  <'ast  *n-  west  of  the  assumed  m*'ridian.     (Arapako  1.) 

In  indicat(>4l  ity  making  the  sign  for  Miin,  and  holding  the  hand  in 
tiMt  portion  of  the  course  followed  by  the  sun,  to  in<licate  the  tim<>  to 
be  expressed.     (Ahsamka  1;  ShoHhoni  and  lianakl-) 

Can  only  be  ap|)roximately  told  by  placing  the  sign  for  Mini  in  the 

position  in  tln>  heavens  corresptuiding  with  the  hour,  dividing  the  time 
between  sunrise  and  sunset  into  as  many  e<pial  !4>ntKe8  tM  theitt  ame 
hours.     (Dakota  I.) 


11 


81 


Morniiipf. 

Mako  the  sign  for  $$1111,  iiiul  lioltl  it  toward  the  eastern  horizon. 
{Abmrvlca  I ;  Shonhoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Ji'irst  make  tlie  sign  for  iVi^lit  and  then  the  sifjn  for  Day.  ISroriiing 
can  likewise  be  made  by  sim|)Iy  nsing  the  sign  for  day.  {Dakota  I.) 
"Darkness  has  gone — daylight  has  come." 

Make  the  sign  for  Sim,  and  hold  the  hand  below  the  eastern  horizon, 
moving  it  slowly  to  or  a  little  above  it.     {Dakota  VII.) 

The  arm  and  hand  (right)  are  elevated  to  left  shonlder  and  the  hand 
in  modilied  ;)osition  (I)  is  made  to  describe  the  sign  for  Day.  The 
right  arm  is  then  brougli*^  "xtended  across  the  upper  i>art  of  clicst,  with 
hand  in  ])osition  (J  1),  liori/ontal ;  both  arm  and  index  fully  extended 
toward  the  east,  followed  by  the  eyes.  Thi«  morviiifi  is  described  in 
same  manner  after  making  the  sign  for  To  tlaif.  {Oto  and  Minnouri  I.) 
"The  beginning  of  a  day  or  today.'' 

3Iakethesign  f()rKiiii,aiid  hold  the  hand  towai'd  the  eastern  horizon 
a  slutrt  time,  or  bring  it  altove  the  horizon  from  ;i  short  distance  below 
it,  slowly.     {Kaioira  I  ;   ('oiiianclir  III  ;  Apaclir  II  ;    Wivhlta  II.) 

Point  with  the  extemled  index  to  the  eastern  horizon.     {l*ai-Vtv  I.) 

Deaf-mute  uataral  sif/iis. — I'<tint  to  the  eastern  horizon  and  move  the 
tbrelinger  a  little  way  tipward.     {liallard.) 

Ojten  your  eyes,  and.  Iron'  the  open  hand,  raise  your  head  to  its  erect 
position,  as  if  y«)u  have.'uat  now  arisen  from  bed.     (CrosH.) 

Xo,;„. 

Make  the  sign  for  Null,  anci  hold  it  toward  the  zenitii,  so  that  the 
eye  can  see  through  the  eircle  ftuined  by  the  thnnd>  and  imlex 
{Ahxaroka  I ;  Shonhoni  and  liaiutk  !.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Mini,  holding  the  liand  overhead,  the  outer  edge 
uppermost.     {Dakota  IV.) 

The  hand  and  arm  are  elevated  to  left  shonlder  and,  with  fingers  in 
(I)  position,  nioditicd  by  index  being  more  o[>en,  horizontal,  and  palm  to 
tlie  breast,  begin  the  sign  for  Day.  This  sign  is  then  half  exet  iited, 
and  the  han<l  stopped  in  a  line  with  the  middle  of  the  forehead.  The 
index  is  then  nuide  to  i)oint  to  the  zenith.  The  hand,  when  arrested,  is 
in  type  ])osition  (I);  it  is  (puckly  everted  and  assunu's  position  (J)  to 
complete  the  sign.  (0/«>  ami  MtHsouri  I.)  ''  The  half  course  of  the  sun 
or  middle  of  the  day." 

To-nu>i  >  ow. 

Describe  the  motion  of  the  sun  from  east  to  west.     Any  inrinber  of 
days  nujy  be  counted  upon  the  lingers.     {linrtott.) 
11 


, 


m^ 


t 


'■':^ 


I 


"      t! 


H 


n    i  ■ 


82 

Sign  for  IViffhl  followed  by  nigii  for  iiiiinriMe.    (Cheyenne  I.) 

floiii  the  tips  of  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  same  hand,  tlie  inte- 
rior outline  approxinuiting  a  circle,  and  describe  therewith  a  space  from 
hift  to  ri^lit,  corresponding  to  the  su]>posed  course  of  the  sun  during 
twenty-four  hours.  To  distinguish  an  hour,  let  the  hand  ])ause  at  the 
proper  altitude,  east  or  west  of  the  assumed  meridian.  See  Hour. 
{Arapalio  1.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  MIccp;  then  follow  by  counting  one  (see 
Coillllillft),  and  tinish  with  the  sign  for  Jliiinriwe.  "One  night's 
sleejt." 

Hring  tin-  hand  to  sideof  head,  au<l  with  head  reposing  in  right  palm, 
eyes  clo.si'd,  head  ami  hand  inclining  to  the  right,  which  is  the  sign 
for  Nleep.  This  coinpleted,  the  right  aim  and  hand  are  brought  across 
the  top  of  the  chest,  and  describe  the  sign  for  Day  or  To-flay.    This 

sign,  as  is  cvidtMit,  is  a  (■(  nipound  sign,  comprising  that  for  Slee/),  J^^'i'li 
or  Toilaij.     [()li>  mill  Ml^mnrL)     "The  day  alter  we  sleep." 

Make  the  sign  for  Day  <»nce,  then  r«'ver.se  it,  and  stop  at  the  point  in 
the  heavens  iiKiicating  the  int«'iided  time  of  the  day.  If  noon,  |)oint 
directly  njjwards.  To  express  two  or  more  <lays,  make  the  sign  for  Day 
and  hold  up  the  proper  immbcr  of  lingers.     {Tnuiiii>ix  I.) 

Jkd/iiiiitc  iKitmitl  sitjii — Place  the  hand  on  the  cheek,  incline  the  head, 
and  shut  the  eyes,  to  denote  NIeep,  and  then  raise  the  head  and  open 
the  eyes  to  signify  .lLl»a!iC,and  hold  up  the  foreiinger  todenoreOne; 
that  is  to  say,  in  one  day.     {BallariL) 

Yesterday. 

Make  with  the  left  hand  the  circle  which  the  sun  describes  from  sun- 
rise to  sunset,  or  invert  the  direction   from  sunset  to  sunrise  with  the 


right-hand. 


[linrton.) 


Sign  for  xlfi^iil  and  MiiiiMel.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

The  sign  for  Day,  To-MIOl'I'OW,  the  motion  reversed.   {Arapaho  \.) 

Omit  the  sign  for  Miiiii'iMe;  otherwise  as  Day,  To-lliorroiir* 

(Dakota  I.)     "  Have  slept  one  night." 

The  right  hand  ai:.l  arm  are  elevated,  and,  with  hand  in  type  position 
(1),  moditied  by  index  being  more  opened,  hori/.ontal,  ami  palm  to  the 
breast,  nuule  to  execute  the  sign  tor  Day.  At  the  ctmelusion  of  this 
sign  the  fingers  are  all  collected  droopingly  extended.,  touch  at  points 
8li<!;htly  curved.  In  this  position  Ihe  liaml  makes  a  sudden  forward 
movement  to  the  ground.  (Oto  and  Misnouri  1.)  "The  day  or  sua  that 
has  gone  down." 


83 

Make  the  sigit  tor  iVi^lit,  followed  by  that  tor  Before,  in  time. 

(Kaioirn  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Mlchita  II.) 

Dead,  deatii. 

Throw  the  forefinger  from  the  perpeiulitMilar  into  a  horizontal  position 
towards  the  earth,  with  the  hack  downward.     [Lonq.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  Hat  over  the  face,  baek  outward,  and  pass  with  the 
similarly  held  right  hand  below  the  former,  gently  striking  or  touch- 
ing it.  {  Wkd,)  The  sign  given  [IHo  and  Missouri  I)  has  no  similarity 
iji  execution  or  conception  with  Wied^s.  {Hotcler.)  This  sign  n>ay  con- 
vey the  idea  of  "under"  or  "burial,"  <|uite  ditterently  executed  from 
most  others  reported.  Dr.  McVhesnen  conjectures  this  sign  to  be  that  of 
wonder  or  surprise  at  hearing  of  a  death,  but  not  a  distinct  sign  for  the 
latter. 

The  linger  of  Jie  right  hand  i>assed  to  the  left  hami  and  then  cast 
down.     (Macffoiran.) 

Place  the  ]>alm  of  the  hand  at  a  sliort  distance  from  the  side  of  the 
head,  then  witlulraw  it  gently  in  an  obli(|ue  downward  direction  and 
incline  the  lieatl  and  up])er  ])art  of  the  body  in  the  same  dir"(tion. 
(Ojibira  II.)  This  authority  notes  that  there  is  an  apparent  c(;.iiu'ction 
between  this  (;once]>tion  and  execution  and  the  etynu)logy  of  the  corre- 
sponding terms  in  OJibwa:  "  he  dies,"  is  niho ;  "  he  sleeps,"  is  niba.  The 
coniinoM  idea  ex|)r  vscd  by  the  gesture  is  a  sinking  to  rest.  The  origi 
nal  signili(!anc(' of  the  root  «(/>  seems  to  l)e  "leaning;"  niiihritt,  "it  is 
leaning;  a/nV/fA/r/'u/,  "he  inclines  tlie  head  sideward."  The  word /j/ia 
or  «//>(;  (only  in  c(»mpoun<ls)  (Mtnveys  the  idea  ()f  "  night,"  perhaps  as  the 
falling  over,  the  going  to  rest,or  tluMleath,  of  the  day.  The  term  for 
"leaf"  (of  a  tree  or  p'ant),  wiiich  is  anihisit,  may  spring  from  the  sanui 
I'oot,  leaves  being  the  leaning  or  downhanging  part?  of  tiie  pla.it.  With 
this  may  be  compared  theCliahta  term  for  "ieives,"  iit(ually  translatcil 
"  tree  hair." 


Hold  both  hands  open,  with  palms  over  ears,  extend  lingers  back  on 
brain,  close  eyes,  and  inclines  body  a  little  forward  an.i  to  right  or  left 
very  h)w,  and  remain  motionless  a  short  tinu',  ]U'onoi,ncing  the  word 
he-nccboo  n\o\\\y.     {Ojibira  IV.) 

Left  hand  tlatteiwd  ami  held  back  ujjward.  tl'.onb  inward  in  front  of 
and  a  few  inches  from  the  breast.  Hight  hand  sliglitly  clasped,  fore- 
linger  nnne  extended  thai,  the  others,  and  ]>asse()  sudilenly  under  the 
left  hand,  the  latter  being  at  the  sanu^  time  gently  moveil  tow.irdsthj 
breast.     (Chei/cnnc  [.)    "  (Jone  inider." 

Tlie  Ivft  hand  is  held  slightly  arched,  (talm  down,  lU'tirly  at  arnrs 
length  hetbre  tlu^  breast;  the  right  (^:«temled.  Hat,  palm  down,  and 


^il 


11 


M  I    ! 


84 

pointing  forwanl  is  ]>UHlie(l  from  tlic  top  of  the  breast,  straight  for- 
ward, iindernoiith,  and  beyond  tiie  left.     {ShoNlioni  and  lianak  I.) 

Both  liands  horizontal  in  front  of  body,  backs  outward,  index  of  each 
hand  alone  extende<l,  the  right  index  is  passe<l  under  the  left  with  a 
downwanl,  outward  and  then  u]»ward  and  inward  curved  motion  at  the 
same  time  that  the  left  is  moved  inward  toward  thi!  body  two  or 
three  inches,  the  mo\ements  being  ended  on  the  sanu'  level  as  begun. 
"Upset,  keeled  over."  >rany  deatlis,  repeat  the  sign  many  times. 
The  sign  furnished  you  Iwfore,  I  have  since  ascertained  is  not  used 
in  the  sense  of  dead,  death.  The  sign  credited  to  Tifclikeindtski  {Vlieif^ 
enne  1)  expresses  "gone  under,"  but  is  not  used  in  the  sense  of  death, 
dead,  but  g<»ing  under  a  cover,  as  entering  a  lodge,  under  a  table,  etc. 
{IhiUotu  1.) 

Make  the  sign  fiu-  Alive,  then  the  sign  for  "So,     [Dukota  IV.) 

Hold  tlic  left  hand,  palm  downward  and  backward,  about  a  foot  in 
front  of  the  lower  part  of  the  chest,  and  i)ass  the  right  hand  from  be- 
hind forward  unilcrneath  it.  Or  from  an  upright  ])osition  in  front  of 
the  face,  back  forward,  in<lex  extended  and  other  fingers  closed,  carry 
the  right  iiaiid  downward  and  forward  underneath  the  left  and  about 
four  inches  beyond  it,  gradually  turning  the  right  haiul  until  its  back 
is  upward  and  its  index  points  toward  the  left.  {Ihikota  W.)  "(Jone 
under  or  buried." 

Hold  the  left  hand  slightly  bent  with  the  palm  down,  before  the  breast, 
then  pass  the  extended  right  hand,  ])ointing  toward  the  left,  forward 
under  and  beycuid  the  left.     {Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Hold  the  righ*  hand  flat,  i)alm  downward  before  the  body,  then  throw 
it  over  on  its  back  to  the  right,  making  a  curve  of  about  fifteen  inches. 
(Dakota  VI;  UUlatm  1;  Atikara  I.) 

Extciul  right  hand,  i»alm  down,  hand  curvid.  Turn  the  palm  up  in 
moving  the  hand  down  towards  the  cartl .     {Omaha  I.) 

The  (!Ountenaiice  is  brought  to  a  sleeping  composure  with  the  eyes 
closed.  This  countenance  being  gradually  assunu'd,  the  head  next 
falls  toward  either  shouhb  r.  The  arms,  having  been  closed  and 
crossed  upon  the  chest  with  the  haiuls  in  tyi)e  positions  (H  B)  are 
relaxed  and  droj)  sinuiltaneously  toward  the  ground,  with  the  fall  of 
the  head.  This  attituchi  is  maintained  some  seconds.  {Oto  ami  Minnouri 
I.)     "  The  bodily  api)carance  at  death." 

IMace  the  »)pen  hand,  back  ui)ward,  fingers  a  little  drawn  together,  at 
the  height  of  the  breast,  ])ointing  forward ;  then  move  it  slowly  for- 
ward and  downward  turning  it  (»vcr  at  the  same  time.  {Iroquois  I.) 
"To  express  'gone  into  the  earth,  face  upward.'" 


i  I 


86 


The  Hat  right  hand  is  waved  outward  and  (h)wnward  toward  the  same 
Hide,  the  head  being  ipc^lined  in  tlie  same  dintction  at  the  time,  with 
eyes  closed.     (  Wyandot  I.) 

Ilohl  the  U?ft  hand  loosely  extended  abont  fifteen  inches  in  front  of  the 
breast,  palm  down,  then  pass  tlie  index,  ])ointing  to  the  left,  in  a  sliort 
curve  downward,  forward  and  npward  beneath  the  left  palm.  {Koioica 
I;  Com  ft  nche  III;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

Hriiig  the  left  hand  to  the  left  breast,  hand  half  <-linehed  (H),  then 
bring  the  right  hand  to  the  left  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  in  such 
a  jmsition  as  if  you  were  going  to  take  a  bit  of  string  from  the  lingers 
of  the  left  hand,  and  pull  the  right  hand  off  as  if  you  were  stret<'hing  a 
string  out,  extend  the  hand  to  the  fidl  length  of  the  arm  from  you  and 
'       ■      outward  at  tlie  conclusion  of  the  sii; 


let  the  UKlex  nnger  i>onit  outward  at 

maiiche  I.)     "Soul  going  to  happy  hunting  grounds.' 


(< 


('lose  both  eyes,  ami  after  a  nu)nuMit  throw  the  palm  of  the  right 
hand  from  the  face  downward  and  outward  toward  the  right  side,  the 
liead  being  dropped  in  the  same  direction.     {Utc  I.) 

Touch  the  breast  with  tln'  extended  and  jonied  fingers  of  the  right 
Innid,  then  throw  the  hand,  palm  to  the  left,  outward  toward  the  right, 
leaning  the  head  in  that  direction  at  the  same  time.     (Apache  I.) 

Palm  of  hand  upward,  then  a  wave-like  motion  towards  the  ground. 
{Zuiu  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  HifpiH, — IMace  the  hand  upon  the  cheek,  and  shut  the 
eyes,  and  move  the  hand  downward,     {Ballard.) 

Let  your  head  lie  on  the  open  hand  with  eyes  shut.     {Crosa.) 

Use  the  right  shut  hand  as  if  to  draw  a  .scnew  down  to  fasten  the  lid 
to  the  collin  and  to  keep  the  eyes  upon  the  hand.     {Ilascustah.) 

Mov(!  the  head  toward  the  shoulder  and  then  close  the  eyes.  (Lamon.) 

The  French  deaf-nuite  conc(^)tion  is  that  of  gently  falling  <n-  sinking, 
the  right  index  falling  from  the  height  of  the  right  shoulder  u[»on  the 
left  forefinger,  toward  which  the  head  is  inclined. 

Die,  To. 


Kight  hand,  forefinger  exteiuled,  side  up,  forming  with  the  thumb 
an  (II);  the  other  fingers  slightly  curved,  touching  each  other,  the  little 
finger  having  its  shle  towards  the  groniul.  Move  the  hand  right  an<l  left, 
then  forward,  several  times;  then  turn  it  over  sudihMdy,  letting  it  fall 
towards  the  earth.  (Omaha  I.)  "An  animal  wounded,  but  staggering 
a  little  before  it  falls  and  dies." 


86 


'J 


\v 


ii 


h 


i 


D.viiiR. 

Hold  tlie  loft  liiiiid  IIS  ill  (U'liil,  piisH  tliu  index  in  the  suine  iiiaiiiier 
uiideriii'iitli  tilt!  left,  but  in  a  slciw,  fjentle,  interruiited  iiioveiiient.  ( A'rt»- 
oira  I ;  ('owunvlie  l\\ ;  A paclie  II ;  }Vichita  II.)  "Steji  li.y  step;  inch 
by  iiieli." 

lu'aiiy,  Imt  recovers. 


Hold  till!  left  hand  as  in  tlvad;  ]>ass  the  index  with  a  slow, easy,  inter 
injited  niovenient  downward,  under  the  left  palm,  as  in  dyinj;,  but 
before  jiassin^  from  under  the  |ialni  on  the  opjiosite  return  the  index  in 
the  same  iiianiier  to  point  of  startiiiff,  then  elevate  it.  {Kaiowu  I  ; 
VonuDichc  III  ;  Apaclir  II  ;    Wirliihi  II.) 

Deaf. 

The  ti|»  of  the  ri;ihf  index  is  inserted  in  the  rijylit  ear,  withdrawn  and 
rotated  around  the  oi'jfan.  {I>ahU<i  I.)  "This  would  seem  to  indieate 
'a  noise  in  the  ear  prrveiiting  hearing.'" 

Ilecp. 

Kiyht  hand  with  tiiijxers extended,. joined,  back  outward,endsof  fJiificrs 
Itoiiitinji'  straifjlit  down,  is  carried  downward  in  front  of  the  rijilit  side 
of  the  body  to  near  the  fjrouiid,  the  bo<l_y  beiii{>'  inclined  forward  at  the 
same  time,  touehinn  I  lie  jiround,  iudicatiug  that  althoujjii  dci  p  the  liot- 
tom  had  been  readied.     {Dalola  I.)     '' Findin}*'  the  dejith  of  water,  etc." 

riace  the  Hat  hand,  ])alm  down,  several  feet  from  the  earth,  or  at 
such  elevatitni  to  show  depth,  and  jiass  it  slowly  to  one  side.  [Ihikotn 
VI;  Hidiitsn  1  ,-  Ariknni  1.) 

life  I*. 

The  ri}j;lit  hand  extended  ujiwards  by  the  riyht  ear  with  a  quick  juilt 
from  the  mouth.     {Dtmhnr.) 

The  forefiuyer  of  tli«'  rif-'ht  hand  is  extended  vertically,  with  the  back 
toward  the  breast ;  it  is  then  turned  from  side  to  side,  to  imitate  the 
motion  of  the  animal  when  he  walks  at  his  leisure.     (Loiiff.) 

Pass  tin'  uplifted  hand  t<i  and  fro  several  times  in  front  of  the  face. 
(  Wied.)  I  have  f,'iv(>u  you  much  the  same  si}>ii  for  "white-tailed  deer," 
but  I  have  said  that  all  tiiifjers,  ex<H»pt  the  index,  were  tiexed.  This 
may  not  be  absolutely  essential  in  makiiig  the  si}j;n,  which  is  simply  de- 
signed to  imitate  the  ]ie(niliar  motion  of  the  tail  when  the  animal  stands 
ob.s'.'rviii};-.  {Matthews.)  The  right  arm  is  elevated  to  the  front  of  the 
body  and  the  right  index  finger,  in  position  (iH),  projected  forward  sev- 
eral times.  The  hands,  with  extended  and  divergent  fingers,  as  in  jiosi- 
tion  (!■),  are  now  jilaced  aside  of  the  head  to  rejiresent  the  aniiiiars 
horns.  The  right  iudex-fiuger  is  now  extended  full  length  and  wagged 
behind.  The  alM)ve  Ota  sign  differs  from  that  of  Wicirs  in  execution,  and 
in  the  latter  the  conception  is  wanting,  which  is  the  animal  with  branch- 
ing horns  that  runs  in  jum])s.     {lioteler.) 


H 


87 

ExteiKl  the  thiuubH  and  the  twoforutiu^erHot't'iicli  hand  on  ua(;h  side 
of  the  head.     {Burton.) 

Botli  han<lH,  tinj^ers  irref^uhirly  outspread  wid  elevated  to  sides  of 
head  to  represent  outspread  horns  of  diH'r.  {Vheijenne  I.)  Tliis  si^n  is 
nnide  bv  our  deaf-nintes. 

With  tlie  rijfht  hand  in  front  of  the  body  on  a  h'vel  witli  tlie  breast 
and  about  ei};;ht4;en  incites  from  it,  baek  of  hand  to  the  ri}<:lit  (^<i  1), 
make  ()ui(;k  sidewise  motions  with  the  hand  in  imitation  of  the  motion 
of  the  deer's  tail  when  running.  The  wrist  is  fixed  in  nnikin<;  tliis 
tiiffu.  Corrreeted  from  sij;n  before  tjiven.  {Dakota  I.)  "Movements 
of  the  deer's  tail  when  running." 

Hands  applied  to  eaeh  temple,  tinkers  spread  and  pointiu};  upward. 
{Dakota  II.)     "Morns." 

Brin}>'  ri<;ht  hand  to  a  level  with  the  shoulder,  thumb  and  foreiin}>'er 
curved,  three  fin;;ers  curved  and  nearly  cIoscmI  (x).  Move  thumb  and 
foretinfj;er  ftu-ward,  wrist  motion  alone,  imitating'  the  movements  of  the 
animal.     {Onialia  I.)    "The  deer  runs." 

Similar  to  the  preceding,  but  with  wrist  and  arm  motion,  with  hand 
raised  hi}>h  above  the  head.     {Omaha  I.)     "The  deer  bouiuls  away." 

Hold  the  rifjht  hand  down,  extend  index-tinker,  thumb  tip  touching; 
ti]>  of  middle  Hnger;  shake  index-finj;er  rapidly.  {Omaha  I.)  "The 
deer  {•oes  aloufj  rapidly,  makiii;r  its  tail  shake." 

Hold  rijA'ht  hand  next  to  left  slumlder,  thumb  (crossing  middle  linger 
at  first  Joint;  move  index-finjfer  back  and  forth  to  and  from  left  shouhler. 
{Omaha  I.)  "The  deer's  tail  shows  brijjjht  or  red  in  the  distance  as  it 
leaps  away." 

Similar  to  the  inecediii};:,  but  the  hand  is  held  in  front  on  a  level  with 
the  face  and  moved  right  and  left.  {Omaha  I.)  "The  deer's  tail  shows 
white  suddenly." 

The  right  arm  is  elevated  and  the  right  index  extended  is  thrown 
forward  several  times.  The  hands  with  extended  and  divergent  fingers 
as  in  position  (I),  are  placed  aside  the  head  to  resemble  the  branching 
horns.  Finally  the  extended  index-finger  is  wagged  from  the  seat  ot 
body.  {Oto  and  MixHouri  !.)  "The  brani^hing  horns,  short  tail  and 
leaping  motion  of  the  animal." 

Imitate  the  motion  ».:  a  deer  running  by  closing  the  hand,  {talm  down- 
ward, «iX(!ept  the  two  forefingers,  which  are  only  a  little  l»ent  downward. 
Then  move  the  hand  forward  from  you  with  a  rather  slow  up-and-down 
motion,  slightly  moving  the  two  forefingers — the  whole  designed  to 


u!^- 


ul 


!.■<, 


li' 


88 

iiiirnic  the  lon|;;,jiiiii])H  witli  wliicli  a  doer  starts  off.  If  iH'ccHsar.v  to  ex- 
plain tliis  fnitluT,  place  one  liaiul  on  eaeli  side  of  tlie  Iiend  to  rejiresent 
horns.     (FroqiKnn  1.) 

I'laeu  botli  hands,  thit,  with  tin^rers  and  thnnibs  spread,  on  either 
side  of  the  head  and  a  short  distanei;  from  it.     (I'tc  I.) 

IMace  the  hands  witii  finiiers  fnil.v  extended  and  spread  abont  twelve 
inches  from  either  si(h^  of  the  head  and  slijjhtl.v  above  it.     (Apache  I.) 

]ihiciv-taih>d  \('ari(teuM  nimrotix  (Hay),  (JrayJ. 


First  uiixkit  tlio  f;estnre  for  DtH'l*  then  indicate  a  tail.  ( U'lVr/.) 
Wlu'n  he  says  "indi<'ate  a  tail,"  I  have  little  donbt  that  he  refers  to  the 
si^n  I  have  already  };iven  yon  lor  <hrr,  hlucktaihtl,  (Munilnn  itml  Iliilat- 
Kit  I.)  I  do  not  think  it  is  either  essential  or  common  to  ''make  the  pre- 
(HMliiifj;  {,'cstiire"  either  "first"  or  last.     (Mftlthtirs.) 

Kxtend  both  hands,  liiijicrs  <'lose  to^jether,  i>lac<'  them  with  palms  to 
front  on  each  side  of  the  forehead,  tinkers  npward,  and  then  make  short 
motions  itaek  ami  forth  in  imitation  of  the  movements  of  the  lar^e  ears 
of  the  animal.     (Pahofu  II.) 

With  the  ri;;lit  imiex,  its  jtalm  inward,  on  the  rif-ht  side,  at  the  height 
of  the  hip,  pass  the  left  index,  back  forward,  from  its  middle  forward  to 
its  end.     {ntthntn  l\.)     '-That  mncli  black." 

The  U-ft  hand  is  held  pendent  a  short  distance  in  front  of  the  chest, 
tinnnb  inward,  tinnier  ends  approximated  t4>  each  other  as  mnch  as 
possible  ((.  <'.,  with  the  1st  and  -Ith  drawn  t«>};ether  nndcr  the  I'd  ami 
•<d).  Th«'  ri};'ht  hand  is  then  closed  around  the  left  (palm  to  back  and 
covering  tlu^  bases  of  the  lefthan<l  lingers)  and  drawn  downward,  still 
dosed,  until  it  is  entirely  drawn  away.  This  sign  seems  to  represent  the 
act  of  smoothing  down  the  fusiform  tuft  at  the  end  of  the  aninuU's  tail. 
(Mandan  aiitl  Uiiiatxn  1.) 

White  tailed  [('arUtcuH  lurtjiiiianus  macniriiH  (Kaf.)  CouesJ. 


Move  the  right  hand,  its  palm  obli<piely  forward  and  (lownward,  from 
side  to  side  two  or  three  times  abont  a  foot,  thnmgh  an  arc  of  a  circle, 
at  the  height  of  the  hip, on  the  right  side  (the  tail  of  the  deer);  then 
with  the  ])alm  inward  and  the  fingers  pointing  forward,  cast  the  hand 
forward  several  times  through  an  arc  of  abont  a  toot  to  imitate  the 
JHm|>ing  of  a  deer.     (Dakota  IV.) 

The  right  hand  is  liehl  npright  before  the  chest,  all  fingers  but  the 
imlex  i)eing  bent,  the  palm  being  turned  as  mnch  to  the  front  as  possi- 
ble. The  hand  is  then  wagged  from  side  to  side  a  few  times  rather 
slowly.  TIk^  arm  is  nu)ved  scarcely  or  not  at  all.  This  sign  represents 
the  motion  of  the  deer's  tail.    (Maiidan  and  Hidatna  I.) 


89 


Elevate  tlie  tbrcarin  to  tlio  luM);lit  of  tlu;  olhow,  pointing  lorwanl,  ex* 
tend  the  tlattciuul  liaiiil,  poiiitiiit;  iipwaitl,  wiMi  the  palm  t'oiwanl;  then 
throw  tlic  liaiul  lit^lit  and  left  s«^vt'ral  tiiiifs.  tlic  iiioiion  Ufiii^r  rotation 
of  the  foiranii.  (Arikurn  I.)  "Froni  tlie  motion  and  wliitr  appoaraniu) 
of  tlic  di'cr'H  tail  in  rnnniii);.'* 

Deflniire.    I  (l«*iy  yoii. 

Point  to  tlic  person  ,vou  defy  to  do  the  aet  with  the  ri^lit  ind(>x 
(others  closed),  and  then  tarn  the  hand,  extend  the  lin<;ers  so  tiiat  tiiey 
will  appear  as  (i^nred  in  (V),  when  the  hand  is  drawn  in  to  tiie  Itody  with 
considerable  force.  This  W(tidd  indicate  Come  unit  tlo  it,  hut  theempha- 
sIh  of  the  motion  and  aecompan,vin<;  facial  exp.ession  inilicate  soir'c- 
thin;{  stron^^er  than  invitation.     (Ihihotti  I.) 

The  ri};ht  hand  closed  with  the  index  only  extended  and  sli^jhtly 
cro;)ked,  palm  facinjj:  front ;  hold  about  twenty  inches  in  front  of  th«'  chest 
and  wave  the  liuf^er  from  side  to  side,  movement  bein;;  made  at  the 
wrist.     (Kainirn  I;  Vomaiirlic  l\l;  AiKirhrW;    Wichita  II.) 

Itulinn  Nijiii. — Kvery  tyro  in  Latin  knows  that  «'xtendin;;thc  middle  or 
little  linj^er,  ,'j;estnrcs  still  nmde  every  day  at  Koau',  was  a  token  of 
scorn  ()r  deliance. 

Bite  the  foi«'tin}ier,  commonly  with  the  Joint  nearest  the  end  bent — a 
fjestnre  which  throws  liffht  on  "the  bitinjr  the  thnmb  at  me,"  with  winch 
]{omeo  and  ilnliet  commences. 

When  one  woidd  kill  the  hopes  of  a  mendicant  and  say  he  will  jjive 
nothing;  with  emi>hasis,  he  blows  on  his  hand  and  shows  it  wide  o|H>n  to 
the  petitioner  or  elevates  one  foretinfjer,  slnikin^  it  {{^'''fly  b>  and  fro. 
(Butler.) 

Deitv;  Crod;  Oreat  Spirit;  Great  Fatlit'i*;   HaMlci*  of 

IJfV. 

JJlow  ui)on  the  ojjcn  hand,  point  upward  with  the  extended  ind«>x- 
fiiifjer  whilst  turniii},'  the  (ilosed  hand  hither  and  thither,  then  sweep  it 
above  the  earth  and  allow  it  to  drop.  (Wietl.)  I  have  never  seen  this 
sign.  I  once  extracted  a  bullet  from  the  lejj  of  a  deaf  and  dinnb  Indian 
of  Sioux  descent  who  had  lived  lonj;  anion;;  the  Arikaras.  When  the 
operation  was  completed  ho  made  some  preliminary  si^n  (for  thanks) 
which  I  did  not  observe  well,  and  then  pointed  to  me  and  upward 
to  the  sky.  One  of  the  best  interpreters  in  the  country,  who  was  a  by- 
stander, told  me  that  the  Indian  thanked  me  aiul  the  (ireat  Spiiit.  I 
say  "me''  tirst  as  he  first  jiointed  in  my  direction.  {Mattlieirn.)  There 
is  no  similarity  in  the  sign  [Oto  I)  and  WieiPs.     (IMeler.) 

When  speakin&r  of  the  (ireat  Spirit  they  usually  make  a  reverential 
or  timid  glance  .ipwards,  or  point  the  foretinger  perpendicularly  \)ut 
gei»i|y  to  the  sky.     {Ojibica  I.) 
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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  MS80 

(716)  872-4503 


I 


■i! 


'^i 


90 

First  make  tlie  »\{:!;n  for  Naci*e<l  and  then  make  tlie  sij^ii  for  ttig, 
{Dakota  I.)     "The  preat  Saered  ]'>ein};." 

First  make  the  si{>u  for  I?l(><li<>iiic-iiiiill,  and  then  after  phuiing 
tlie  opened  relaxed  hands,  palms  inward,  abont  six  incjhes  ai)art,  up- 
rifflit,  Jnst  altove  the  head,  move  them  a[)art  to  arnrs-length.  {Dakota 
IV.)     "A  thunder  elond  eominf,^  up  and  spreadinj^." 

Point  toward  the  zenitii,  allowing;  the  eyes  to  follow  the  same  diree- 
tio;;.     {Dakota  Vll.) 

The  arms  are  tlexfd  and  hotli  hands  elevated  ojten  as  in  position  rep- 
resented (W).  Wiien  hands  are  elevated  on  sides  of  head  on  a  level 
with  the  ey(!S  a  nniform  swayin.n'  "'">  sukI  fi'<>"  inovtMnent  is  performed, 
followed  liy  an  ajtward  movement  of  ri^ht  hand  as  in  hand  position  (,1). 
{Otu  I.)     ''Him  al)ove  who  is  an  anj;el  'on  the  winy.'"' 

Close  tJK!  ri;:iht  iiand,  leaving  the  index  straiyiit  and  extended  (or 
sliuhtiy  (Mir\('d);  iiold  it  before  the  face,  move  the  hand  (piiekly  forward 
and  downward  for  a  distance  of  alxtut  six  inches,  then  pass  the  index 
vc^rticaliy  npwacd  before  the  face  about  as  hi<;ii  as  the  toj*  of  the  head. 

Ctr  I.) 

iOii'Vjitc  hand  towiird  sky,  <lelibcriitely  ;  iookinj;  ii|)ward.    {Apachf  III.) 

Extend  the  riylit  liand  willi  tlie  index  pointin;;-  uiiward.  tlie  eyes  also 
beiiij;'  tiiiiicd  upward.     (  Wirhitu  I.) 

Den  fill  II  Ic  luitiinil  siiiii.-:. —  First  clnse  the  liiind  except  its  forcliiijicr. 
ami  then  move  it  ni>  slowly  and  also  turn  the  eyes  toward  the  clouds 
with  a  solemn  expression.     (Iliiscii.sfnh.) 

To  i.iok  up  to  heaven,  al  the  same  time  to  [>oiut  with  the  toreilii<i('r  as 
if  to  Jioiiit  to  lieaveii.      {Zrljiicr.) 

Ile|».irl.     See  InO. 

Ile^lroyt'fi ;  all  ^(mu':  no  more. 

The  hands  held  h(Mi/oiitally,  and  the  i)alms  riil)lted  toj^'ether,  two  or 
three  times  round,  the  rijilit  hand  is  then  carried  otf  from  the  other,  in 
a  slnnt.  horizontal  curve.  {Lomi.)  IJiibbed  out,  Tliis  resembles  the 
EdiiibiM'm  and  onr  deal-mute  sij;n  lor  "forj;ive'"  or  "  clemency,*'  the  iiib- 
biuy  out  of  olfeiise. 

Jieft  hand  held  in  front,  outspread,  italni  upward,  riyht-hand  tinkers 
extended,  palm  down,  swejit  rajiidly  across  palm  of  left.  IJijiht  hand 
sometimes  held  out  after  ]>assin}i'  over  the  lelt  with  lin}>ers  wide  si)read 
and  shakin;;  as  if  expressiuf;  ha<t  in  the  sense  of  no  j/ooil.     {(Jheyennc  I.) 

Movti  l)oth  hands  as  if  in  act  of  rending  asund«'r  or  tearing  in  pieces 
and  throwing  aside  with  violence  and  sudden  jerks  of  haiuls  and  arms. 
(Ojibwa  1\'.) 


91 
Exliiiustetl,  consMmecl,  completed. 


Tli(^  left  liiiiiil,  extended,  i)alm  iipward,  pointiiiK"  diajjoiially  forward 
and  to  tlie  liji'l't,  is  placed  before  the  chest.  Then  the  ii;>ht  hand, 
palm  downward,  is  laid  transversely  on  the  left,  and,  whih^  the  left  re- 
mains stationary,  the  rifjlit  is  carried  forward  a  foot  or  more  with  a 
rapid  sweep.  To  s)  ,)W  a  ^radnal  diminution  and  tiieii  exiiaustion,  the 
rifiht  palm  revolves  on  the  left  once  or  oftener  with  a  ffradiial  motion, 
as  if  some  plastic  substance  were  made  spherical  between  tlu^  [talms. 
{Mandanand  Hvlatsa  I.) 

Place  the  ojten  left  hand  in  fiont  of  the  navel,  palm  backward,  and 
move  tlie  openeil  rii,'Iit  iiand,  i>aim  downward,  in  a  horizontal  circle 
above  it.  (Oto  I.)  "All  caught,  killed,  or  destroyed.  Tiiat's  the  end 
of  it." 


This  sign  resembles  that  for  Ciio.  The  right  arm,  flexed,  and  the 
hand,  in  ])osition  (II  1),  motlified  by  being  mon;  horizontal,  is  brought 
to  tlie  epigastrium.  The  arm  is  then  suddenly  ext«'nded,  hand  likewise, 
with  fingers  ext<'nded  approxinuite(l,  palms  dctwnward.  The  left  hand 
in  the  same  position  api)roaches  the  side  of  the  rigiit,  both  now  being  in 
type-position  (W),  diverge  and  sweeji  l)ackward.  {Oto  (tnd  Minnonri  1.) 
"All  gone  or  swept  away." 

liy  force. 


Imitate  the  breaking  of  a  stick  in  the  two  hands  and  throwing  the 
pieces  away,  then  lightly  strike  the  i)alms  and  open  fingers  of  the  hands 
together  as  if  brushing  dust  off  them.  The  anuiuut  of  force  used  and 
the  completeness  of  the  destruction  is  shown  by  greater  or  less  vigor  of 
action  and  facial  ex])ression.     {Dodi/c.) 


•  Anything  of  little  importance,  and  by  accident  or  design. 


Indiciite  tin'  object,  then  slightly  strike  the  i)alms  and  open  fingers  of 
the  hands  together,  as  if  brushing  dust  off  from  them.     (Dodfic.) 

Rotate  the  right  jtalin  u])on  the  left  as  if  ru1)bing  something  into 
smaller  fragments.  {Kttiowa  I ;  Comanche  Ml;  Apache  II;  Wichita  11.) 
"  Kubbing  out ;  grinding  to  atoms." 

Rais(>both  hands  to  position  on  right  of  face,  fingers  extended,  sepa- 
rate, and  ])oiiiting  ui)ward,  palms  facing  each  other  (R  l,riglitand  left), 
then  with  an  energeti(!  movement  throw  both  to  left  side,  as  though 
throwing  something  violently  to  tlu>  ground;  then  place  hands  near 
together  and  make  sign  for  All  (fone.  {Snhaptin  1.)  "  Broken  into 
pieces;  nothing  of  its  former  self  remaining." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sif/n. — Imitate  the  act  of  breaking  and  move  the 
hands  in  a  curve  in  oi)posite  <lirections.     (liallurd.) 


s&i 


•:    :m, 


M 


92 


f.  ( • 


u 


ItiiiiK'd. 

An  iirticlc  inisclitbc  (Jestroj/ctl ,  ruined,  by  brciikiii};,  when  tlie  sijjn  for 
hreol-  niij^lit  be  used  in  connection  witli  the  sipn  ibr  tlie  i)iU'ti('nl}ir  iirti- 
cle  destroyed ;  same  by  fire:  bnt  the  idea  of  ruhlud  out,  as  contained 
in  ^onc,  apjM'ars  to  be  the  prevalent  one.     (Ihtlota  I.) 

Spent. 


Brinfjbctth  liands  tojictiier  in  Iront  of  th»^  breast,  the  left  hand  under 
the  rijiiit,  horizontal,  tiat,  palm  upward,  (injiers  extended  obliquely  to- 
ward the  ri};ht  (X),rij;ht  hand  with  finders  extended  obli(pU'ly  toward 
the  left,  flat,  palm  downward  (W)  on  the  i»alm  of  tln^  left,  slide  the  two 
palmar  surfaces  over  each  other,  moviuj^' the  hands  slijihtly  inward  and 
(mtward.     {Dnl.-ota\.)     "  Rubbed  <»ut." 

Uialo»iic.    See  W|»(>:ikiii;;°. 

Diffei'oiit,  colli raMffd. 

First  and  second  linjicrs  of  rij^ht  hand  extended,  separated  (otheris 
closed),  is  passed  from  the  ri<>ht  breast  outward,  with  back  of  hand 
toward  the  rijjht,  forelin;f»'r  i)ointin<i- obliipu'ly  upward,  and  the  se<!ond 
linjicr  ]M»iiitinfi'  straij^ht  outward  or  forward.  (Ihikota  I.)  "The  idea  of 
this  is  contained  in  <'outrastinj>'  the  appearanc*^  of  the  two  fiuffers;  one 
of  the  tlnjicrs  is  so  and  f  lie  other  is  not  so — /.  i:,  not  the  same,  different." 

l»ir(y. 

I'oint  to  the  jirouiid  with  tlie  ri}>Iit  index,  and  then  carry  the  hand  in 
front  of  the  face,  with  fiiificrs  separate  "  hand  upri<;ht,  back  outward 
(R),  move  up  and  down  and  around,  as  though  covering  the  face  and 
breasts.     {Dakota  I.)     "  Dirt  iVom  the  gntund  covering  the  face,"  etc. 

DiMcliar;;(>  of  a  $;iiii.    tSee  Ciiiiii. 

of  an  Arrow.    See  Arrow. 


DiM;;-iiMf.     ((\)in)>an^  €oilleiii|»t.) 

Extend  both  hands  quickly  outward  from  near  the  face,  palms  out ; 
turn  away  tlie  face  slightly  from  the  object  of  disgust;  extend  the  hands 
and  arms  but  partly.     {OJilura  W.) 

Tap  the  left  breast  (heart)  with  the  right  liand,  fingers  extended, 
back  outward,  then  tiie  hand  is  carried  forward  outward  in  front  of  the 
right  breast,  so  that  the  iialm  is  up,  fingers  extended,  pointing  outward, 
liand  horizontal  (X),  where  it  is  slightly  nttated  or  curved  a  few  times, 
and  then  carried  directly  outward  toward  the  right,  h-.wk  outward. 
{Dakota  I.)     "  I  am  not  pleased  or  satisfied." 

Sign  as  for  NiirpriM',  Wonder,  then  turn  the  head  over  the  left 
slioulder,  retaining  the  hand  over  tiu^  moutli.  {Omaha\.)  "As  at  the 
si  gilt  of  a  dead  boily." 


!)3 


Shake  llin  Iiead  slowly  from  sid*;  to  side,  at  tin'  same  tiiiic.  tlirowiiig 
till'  oiH'ii  riyht  hand,  |»ahn  (h)\vii,  outward  toward  tlie  riylit  .side.  ( Wy- 
audol  I.) 

Avert  the  licad  and  make  the  si.trn  of  .'\('j;'alioil.  (ApavlK'  III.) 
N.  H.  In  narrative,  simply  disappfoidl. 

IliMNaliMliictioii,  or  lliM(*onl(>iit. 

The  extended  tinjjt'r  idaeed  tnnisversely  before  the  situation  of  the 
heart,  rotat*'  the  wrist  two  or  tlnve  times  j;enlly,  formiii;ia  quarter  of  a 
circle  each  time.    (Lomj.) 

The  index  ri;;lit  hand  held  transveisely  hefore  the  heart  and  rotated 
from  the  wrist  several  times.  (DaUotu  I)  "  Heart  ill  at  ease;  disturb- 
ance of  the  orfjan."'  Our  abori};ines,  like  modern  I'liirojH'aiis,  ixietically 
rej;ard  the  heart  as  the  seat  of  the  afl'e(;tions  and  emoti(»ns,  not  scilect- 
inj;  the  liver  or  stomach  as  other  jieoples  have  done  with  trreater  jthysio- 
lo^iical  reason. 

1liwfaii<*<>,  liOii;; ;   I'.'ii*. 

riace  tiie  hands  close  together  and  then  move  them  slowly  asunder, 
so  slowly  that  they  seem  as  if  they  would  never  complete  the  j;esture. 
A  ('livi/cuiiv  s\<i\\.  This  si;;ii  is  also  made  to  indicate  j^reat  anti(piity  in 
ti!ne.  (l{ci)ort  of  Lieut.  '/.  IT.  Ahart  of  his  examination  of  New  .Mexico 
in  the  years  lS4ti-'47.  Hx.  Doc.  No.  41,  .'5(ttli  ('(Uijircss,  1st  .session,  p. 
42G.) 

(1)  Head  diawn  back  or  elevated,  eyebrows  contracted  as  if  lockiii';' 
to  jireat  distance,  rij^lit  hand  rai.sed  to  level  of  chin,  palm  upward  :  {2) 
pushed  forward  with  a  curved  motion  in  the  direction  in  wliich  tiie 
speaker  is  looking.    ( Cheyenne  I.) 

A  slowly  a.siiendinji  movenu'ut  of  tiu^  extende<l  hand,  lingers  joined, 
from  the  body  and  in  the,  direction  desired  to  be  indicated.     (Anipalto  I.) 

liaise  the  right  hand  to  a  natural  jiosition,  thund>  below  the  two  tirst 
iingers,  then  the  arm  with  rising  nu)tion  as  high  as  top  of  head,  stretch- 
ing it  out  as  far  as  po.ssible;  then  bend  the  hand  downward,  the  arm 
falling  slowly,  advance  the  body  slightly  without  moving  feet.  (OJi'o- 
mi  IV.) 

Kight  band,  forefinger  of  which  is  extended  and  jtoints  forward  (other 
fingers  closed)  (Ifl),  palm  toward  the  left,  i.s  extended  in  front  of  the 
breast  as  far  as  the  arm  will  reach,  the  body  being  inclined  forward  at 
the  same  time,  the  extended  position  maintained  a  nioment  and  then  t'le 
body  and  hand  are  brought  back  with  a  moderately  (piick  movemeri 
To  a  limited  ami  very  indetinite  extent  distance  is  .sought  to  be  expressed 
by  the  distance  the  arm  is  extended  and  the  amouiitof  h'aning  forwanl. 
(Dakota  I.)     "  Di.stanee." 


:l 


'■<rti 


iVi';. 


,  ■■(■■  r^^^ 


'n^f'f 


ij 


if! 


w 


\A, 


'    '  -t 


t 


(    ,1 


'       I 


94 

From  ail  iijuisht  position  just  in  front  of  tlio  rif^Iit  shouldi'r  and  a 
little  above  it,  jmlni  forward,  tinkers  relaxed  and  thumb  a<>:ainst  the 
index,  move  tiu;  ri<>lit  hand  forward  and  ujtwiird  thr()ii;>'li  an  are  to 
arm's  lenjjth  iind  to  tlie  heifjfht  of  the  head,  j^radnall.v  tnrnin;^  tlu;  palm 
downward. 

Or  with  the  tinficrs  at  rifiht  anf^les  witii  the  ]»idm,  pointinj;-  toward  the 
left  and  their  hacks  forward,  tlinnih  in  ])a1m,  move  the  riylit  hand  from 
the  ri};ht  siioiddei'  forward  and  upward  to  arm's  lenfjftii.  Tlie  leftiiand, 
its  baek  forward,  to  be  lu^ld  in  front  of  tiu' rij-lit  breast.     (Dxhota  IV.) 

Elevate  the  rij^lit  hand  to  a  position  in  front  of  tlie  chest,  drop  the 
index-(in};er  toward  the  {{round,  then  move  it  forward  and  upward,  rest- 
in;;'  it  on  a  line  sli^ihtly  abov(^  tin'  horizon,  the  eyes  followinj;'  the  direc- 
tion indicated.  The  idea  of  mucli  {{reater  distance,  or  to  intensify  the 
extrenu'.  distance  intended,  is  done  by  makinj;'  the  gesture  a  little 
(piicker,  tiiniin;;-  tlie  fiiijicr  hin'lier  at  the  end  of  the  sij^n,  and  throw- 
iufi'  back  tlie  head  sli;;litly.     (l>nhotti  V.) 

IMace  the  Hat  hand  in  front  of  the  chest,  pendent,  then  <j;ently  indicate 
a  (toui'se  from  before  tiu;  body  to  arm's  leuj;tli,  (inj^crs  pointing;'  above 
the  horizon.     [Ihtkota  VII.) 

Describe  the  (Mirve  by  raisinj;'  the  hand  above  and  in  front  of  th((  head 
(J),  index  extended  more  to  the  rij-lit  or  leftaecordinj>'  to  the  direction 
intended  and  the  hand  that  is  used.  {Oiniihd  I.)  "  (ro  around  in  that 
way." 

Another:  Throw  the  rij-iit  hand  bac-kward  over  the  shoulder,  index 
extended,  then  upward  and  forward.     {Omnha  I.) 


Another:  Haise  the  arm  al)ove  and  In  front  of  the  head,  then  pointing 

e  hand  tbrward  to  arm's  lenytli  horizontally. 
{Omaha  I.) 


f(»rward  with  index,  shoot  the 


The  arms  are  folded  and  the  hands,  in  type  i)ositiou  (1!),  are  approxi- 
mated before  the  chest.  The  arms  and  hands  then  widely  diverge  from 
the  body  to  signify  intended  spa«;e  existing  between  two  ol)je(;ts  or  j)er« 
sons,  as  the  case  may  be.  {Oto  and  MiKsouri  I.)  "  Wide  extent  of  si)ace 
between." 

Point  with  the  extended  index  at  arm's  length  a  little  above  the  h<ui- 
zon,  the  eyes  following  the  same  direction.     {Pai-Ute  I.) 

Push  the  haiul  tbrward  ami  a  little  downward  (T  on  edge,  palm  in); 
repeat  with  hand  a  little  higher,  again  aiul  again,  each  time  higher  and 
farther  forward.     (Apache  III.)     "  Over  several  mountains." 

Deaf-mute  natural  .si(/ns. — Extend  the  forefinger  forward,  and  look  into 
the  distance.     {Ballard.) 


1'  iidiiij;'  slowly  y(»ur  body  forwanl,  inovt'  your  outstrctcliLMl  liiiiul,    • 
witli  your  eyes  lookiufj  over  a  great  space,  in  the  direction  the?  hand 
moves.     (r>vw,s'.) 

M<)V<>  (he  o])eu  haud  U|>  in  a  horizontal  line  from   back  U   front  and, 
at  the  same  time,  blow  li;;litly  fntm  the  mouth.     {Ifdsciisfah.) 

Separate  the  two  lists  from  each  other.     { La rsou .) 

Halfway. 

."\Iake  srjiii  of  for  Far  a^vav  and  tlien  luin,i;  the  hand  half  way  back 
to  tlu'  shoulder.     {Italota  IV.) 

Slant. 


Same  motion  of  hand  as  ;>'rt'al  lliMlailCC,  only  i)r(>ject  arm  forward 
a  little,  do  not  raise  so  \\v^\\  and  drop  more  quickly,  wrist  and  hand 
bent  down  im)ic.  no  movenu'iit  of  body.     {Ojihirx  IV.) 

The  I'orcfinncr  left  hand  extended  straight,  upri,i;lit  (,l  except  i)alm 
out war<l.  cdiic  of  tinjicrs  sidcwise)  is  held  on  the  level  of  tlie  eyes  18 
inches  in  front,  and  then  the  ri,iilit  hand  in  the  sanu'  position  (,|,  etc.) 
IS  carried  nitward  close  to  the  body  as  hifih  as  (he  riuht  eye,  and  then 
dii'cctly  lorwaid  to  nnir  tiie  left  hand  (which  is  stationary  ),  a  little  to  the, 
lijilil  side  and  behind  it,  so  that  the  extended  foiciinj'ers  are  Hfvn/// on  a 
line  and  with  then- palmar  surfaces  out waid.  [Ihtloln  1.)  ".\pproach- 
inu',  comiu.ii'  near  any  jx-rson  or  object." 

liohl  the  riiiht  hand  as  tor  |''ar  a%»'ay,  and  phice  it  in  trout  of  the 
rij;li(  bicasi  au<l  close  to  it.     (I>iihihi  l\'.) 

Ilo,  To.     I  liaA'c  done  it. 

Throw  thcojiened  riyhl  hand,  palm  inward,  froai  an  upri.nht  position 
in  trout  <>!  the  ri;.;ht  sliouidcr  foi  ward  and  downward  until  it  is  horizon- 
tal and  eiiniiteen  inches  in  tVout  of  the  ri,;;Iit  breast.     [Ihihotti  \\ .) 

Do  it  ajiaiii.     (Compaie  Ke|M>af.) 


I'ass  the  oi)eued  ri^ht  hand,  i)alm  backwanl,  strai.nht  across  from 
rif-lit  to  lelt  ei,iihteen  inches  in  front  of  th(^  chest,  be,iiinnin}i'  a  little  out- 
side of  the  line  of  the  rij;h(  sid(^  and  stopitin-  in  fnmt  of  the  rij^ht 
breast.     [Ihthtin  IN'.) 

Doctor,  riiysician. 

Make  motions  and  nn)veiiu'nts  of  head  and  body  as  if  huntiuj;-  and 
examiiuu};- herbs  and  rctots,  also  by  sijius  of  snu'llinj;- and  tastinj;-,  ami, 
us  if  holdin}>'  the  thinn'  feathered,  point  with  the  riyht  hand,  motion  as 
if  to  drink  or  swallow.    '(OJihira  IV.) 

Rif-ht  hainl  closed,  leaviufi  the  first  two  tiiif^ers  extended  and  slijjflitly 
separated,  elevate  to  befme  the  forehead  and  move  the  (iiifiers  circular- 


4<i 


I 


or 


Hi  1 


\ii  i 


l( 


li 


•    ly,  piissiiifj  the  hand  slifjhtly  upwiird  at  the  same  time.     (AbsaroJca  I.) 
"  Siii»erior  kiiowledjie." 

Make  the  si^Mi.s  tor  \Vliil<'  man,  and  Nliailian.  {Dakota  YI, 
VII;  IlidntHH  I;  Arikam  I.) 

Tlie  left  hand  is  extended  as  in  (W)  and  the  hack  of  it  rubbed  by 
indey  of  rif^ht  hand  extended  as  in  (,|).  l?oth  hands  are  then  brought 
trendthnyly  to  sides  of  (;h(>stas  in  tyix'  (l|.)  The  iiands  are  then  earried 
to  the  sides  of  head  and  exteinh'd  indices  i>ress  tiie  tenii)h's.  The  rij^lit 
hand  is  then  s\vei)t  vertically  e(l<;e\vise  u])  before  the  fac^e  and  r«'tained 
thus  several  seconds;  left  falls  to  side.  {Oto  I.)  "One  distinf^uislied, 
who  rubs  together  or  writes  that  which  removes  inward  distress." 

First  Muike  the  sign  for  White  mail,  which  must  be  (juickly  fol- 
lowe<l  by  [dacing  the  closed  right  hand  before  the  face,  leaving  the 
index  and  second  lingers  exteiuled  and  sei)arated,  then  rotate  the  hand 
in  passing  it  upward  and  forward  to  the  height  of  the  top  of  the  lu'ad. 
[Koiinca  I;  Vom(tin-hr  \\\;  A\H(vhe\\;  Wichita  II.)  "Superior  knowl- 
edge." 

IJight  hand  closed  with  the  index  only  extended,  elevate  to  before  the 
forehead,  and  move  circularly,  ])assing  the  hand  slightly  upward  at  the 
same  time.     (iSlioslioiii  and  />'«««/.•  1.)     "Superior  knowledge." 

Indian.    See  illeiliciiie  .^lail. 


hi  \ 
r  : 


Dog. 

Pass  tue  Hat  hand  from  above  downward,  stopping  at  the  height  of  a 
dog's  back.  (WiciL)  In  the  Oto  sign  the  hand  is  oi)ened,  palm  down- 
ward, the  whole  then  held  about  the  height  of  the  animal  from  the  ground 
in  i)assing  from  side  to  side  before  the  body.  It  is  evident  at  a  glance 
that  this  sign  and  IV/crAv  are  similar  in  conception  and  execution.  The 
slight  ditference  nniy  be  attributed  to  the  contributor's  misconstruction. 
(liotder.) 

Is  shown  by  drawing  the  two  forefingers  slightly  opened  iKU'izontally 
across  the  breast  from  right  to  left.  {Ihuion.)  This  sign  would  not  be 
intelligible  without  knowledge  of  the  fact  that  before  the  introduction 
of  the  horse,  and  even  yet,  the  dog  has  been  used  to  draw  the  tent- 
poles  in  moving  camp,  and  the  sign  represents  the  trail.  Indians  less 
nomadic,  who  built  more  substantial  lodges,  and  to  whom  the  material 
for  poles  was  less  preciious  than  on  the  plains,  would  not,  perhaps, 
have  com])rehended  this  sign,  and  the  more  {general  one  is  the  pabn 
lowered  as  if  to  stroke  gently  in  a  line  conforming  to  the  animal's  head 
and  neck.     It  is  abbreviated  by  simply  lowering  the  hand  to  the  usual 


r»jL. . 


fi7 

liei}::lit  of  tlie  woIHsli  abori^jinal  breed,  and  .Hug^jests  tltr  animal  par 
ftwe/ZcHw domesticated  by  tlie  Indians  and  made  a  companion. 

Kiyht  iiand  lowered,  pabn  downward,  as  it' to  stroke  a  doj^'s  bead  and 
back,  and  moved  alon;;-  from  betbn;  bacrkward  horizontally,  conformin;'' 
to  tlie  liead,  neck,  and  back  of  a  dojj,  elevated  or  depressed  to  express 
difference  of  size.     {Cheyeiuie  I.) 

Extend  and  siu-ead  the  rijibt,  fore,  and  middle  tln}f<'rs,  and  move  the 
hand  abont  18  inches  from  left  to  rijiht  across  the  front  of  the  body  at 
the  heit;ht  of  tiie  navel,  palm  »h»wnward,  tinj;ers  ])ointinj;-  toward  the 
left  and  a  little  downward,  little  and  rin;>'  lingers  to  be  loosely  closed,  the 
thnnib  aj;ainst  the  rin<i-linf>er.  {Ptilcotti  IV.)  "  Kepresents  the  lodj^e- 
jxdcs  and  'travois'  wlii<'h  were  formerly  dra;;j;<'d  by  the  (h)<;s." 

Fore  and  sectond  tinkers  of  rij^ht  hand  (others  closed)  extended,  sej)- 
arated  V-"^liii|>cd,  carried  witli  a  downward  windinj;'  motion  from  al)out 
the  left  shou  lUr  in  frorit  of  the  body  to  the  rij;ht,  tlie  hand  stopping- 
riyht  si(h'  of  the  body  well  to  the  front  at  abont  the  heijilit  of  a  j;(»od- 
sized  doj>.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  nse  of  tlie  dog'  in  carryinj^-  tiie  lodge- 
poles." 

Cross  the  tliiiml)  over  the  michlle  tinjicr,  three  fingers  being  chwed, 
back  of  hand  down.  The  forelinger  curved  represents  the  tail.  {Omaha 
I.)     "The  tail  moving  u])  and  down  as  lie  walks." 

Another:  I  [old  right  hand  in  frontof  yon,  thumb  over  first  joint  of  mid- 
dle finger  (not  cros;>iiig  it),  forefinger  straight  and  pointing  nji;  shake  it 
right  and  left,  moving  it  ahoiit  (>  inches.  [Omaha  I.)  "The  tail,  ele- 
vated, shakes  in  the  air,  as  when  he  scents  any  game." 

Imitate  the  quick,  running  movement  of  a  dog,  by  moving  the  hand 
from  the  breast  forward,  palm  downward,  and  at  the  same  time  partly 
closing  and  opening  all  the  fingers  together  (piite  rapidly.     (Troqaois  I.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  and  second  fingers  only  ex- 
tended and  joined,  hohl  it  forward  from  and  lower  than  the  hip,  and 
draw  it  backward,  the  course  following  the  outline  of  a  dog's  form  from 
head  to  tail.     {Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  1 II ;  Ajache  II ;    Wichita  II.) 

The  French  and  American  deaf-mutes  spv^cifically  express  the  dog  by 
snapping  the  fingers  and  then  i)atting  the  thigh,  or  by  i)atting  the  knee 
and  imitating  barking  with  the  lips. 

Or  wolf. 

Bring  both  arms  together  at  wrists  and  hands  together  in  i)osition 
( W).     Sometimes  the  sign  is  made  further  plain  by  the  Indian  making 
an  accompanying  bow-wow  with  mouth.    (Oto  1.)     "  Height  of  animal 
and  size." 
13 


■■:  jil 


np 


ill 


ih 


Done,  liiiiMlKMl. 

The  liaiKls  pliictMl  cd^v  up  iiimI  down,  |>iiriill*'l  to  vnvh  otlicr,  tlio 
rifilit  liiiiid  witlioiit,  wliicli  liitter  is  drawn  ImcU  as  il' ciittin;;-  soiiictliin},'. 
{Dunhnr.)  "An  euil  IfCt  after  cuttiii;;  is  sii^^Hostcd ;  pciliaps  our  (m>1- 
lo(piial  'cut  sliort.'" 

A  motion  ofiMitlin;;'  witli  tli«'  iIkI'I  liaud.     {Mnctjoinin.) 

Both  lists  ciiuciicd,  placed  helore  the  chest,  palms  faciiij;,  then  drawn 
apart  aiitl  outward  towaid  tlieir  respective  siih's.  [Ahsurokn  I  ;  <s7(o- 
nhonl  (111(1  I  i(  (II I  tic  1.) 

The  iiands  phu'cd  in  trout  of  body  hoiizoutal,  witii  lin;;'ers  exteuih-d, 
arched,  mectiuf;'  near  tlie  tips,  tliumbs  restiuj; on  tips  of  foreliu^jcrs,  hack 
of  hands  outward,  separate  tlie  two  hands  i),v  carrying;'  to  tiu'  lij^iit  and 
I«'ft  slowl.v.     (lh(f:<>f(i  I.)     "  Drawn  ai)art,  an  cud  h'ft." 

From  positions  al)oMt  1  inches  apart  and  a  foot  in  trout  of  the  upper 
pait  of  tlie  chest,  tlie  uprijjht  lists,  |)aims  facinj:',  are  to  be  separated 
about  .'5  teet,  each  one  beinj;'  ma(U'  to  dcsciibe  an  arc  downward.  Or, 
after  placiuj;'  tlie  iialf-(^h)sed  hands  lu'ar  to^'ctlier  and  ojtposite  eadi  other, 
obliquely  upward  and  inward,  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  upper  i)art  of 
the  chest,  (piickl.v  separate  them  about  .'!  teet.  (Ihihata  IV.)  "  We  will 
part." 

The  ri;.'li*  arm  is  flexed  a  little  over  a  rijiht  anj;ie  and  bronjjht  closer 
to  the  f[  chest.    The  hand  in  position  (^  1),  moditied  by  beiujjj  hori- 

zontal w.  Jm  toward  tlie  breast  and  ti[)s  of  index  and  rinj;  lin};er.s 
restinj;'  on  biceps  tlexor  muscle  of  opposite  arm.  Sometimes  tlu^  arm  is 
held  in  same  posture  away  from  the  body.  The  sij,'n  is  com|»let«'d  by  a 
euttiufi'  stroke  with  hand,  edj^cs  up  and  down,  from  left  to  ri{>ht.  {Oto 
I.)     "  We  cut  it  short ;  are  done." 

Hold  the  left  fist  horizontally  in  front  of  the  body,  then  pass  the  fiat 
and  extended  rif>ht  hand,  edf^ewise,  qui<!kly  downward  in  front  of  the 
left.  Sometinu's  the  ri}>ht  is  jtassed  down  in  front  of  and  by  the 
knuckles  of  the  left.  [Knion'u  i;  Comanche  lil;  Ajxtclie  11;  Wichita 
I  r.)     "  Cut  off." 

Deaf-mute  natural  .vvV/h.v. — Hold  both  hands  slightly  extended,  with  the 
palms  downward,  and  then  turn  the  hands  over,  at  the  same  time  giving' 
a  side  movement  to  right  and  left  with  eatth  arm.     (llasenNfah.) 

Similar  to  the  sign  for  i\foiie,  meaning  "nothing  more."     {liallard.) 

The  French  and  our  deaf-mutes  give  a  cutting  motion  downward  with 
the  right  hand  at  a  right  angle  to  the  left. 


•l< 


)J) 


Uoor,  cnf  raiK'e,  Skv. 

Tilt'  iiniis  lire  clcvatftl  and  seiiiiHcxod  Ix'tbrn  body.  Tli«'  liiiii<ls  are 
Mien  colli'nti'd  in  t>'|K'-])ositioii  (|I)  and  tips  ()r  index  fin;;«Ms  niadt;  to 
toiicli.  Tilt'  arms,  witli  tlii<,rt>i'  tips  in  ft)ntaft,  tlifii  appntafii  anil  tlivt'r^t> 
st'vt'ral  tinifs.  {Ofo  I.)  "Tlif  triaii;;iilar  t'lidaiift'  Id  tlit' wijiwam  Dpt'iin 
anti  shuts." 

Doiilil.    St't'  liidcriMioii. 

Di*<i««  II  out. 

liittli  liaiiils  fxti'iiilt'il  in  rn)nt  ttl'  Ixttly,  tlu>  It  11  t)n  Hit'  taitsiilt'  aiitl  at 
a  lt>\vt'r  I'lt'vatitni  than  Hit'  ii;;lit,  bidli  iiaiitls  lists,  thf  It'll  (II),  Hit'  ii}flit 
willi  bat'k  lotikiii;;'  tt>\vartl  llit>  i'i}>lit ;  thaw  bt)lli  arms  in  ttiwani  tlitt 
bt)tly,  anil  tlii'ii  t-any  tint  a^ain,  rt'pt'atiiif;  Hit'  niDVt'mt'iil.s  st'vt'ial  Hint's 
as  tlii»nt;li  tlrawiiij;' out  lor  soiiit' ilistaiift'.  (l>i(l,oln  I.)  "  l''roin  tlra\viii}>' 
but  ottlic  ttatt'i'  or  holt'  a  i»t'ison  or  Hiinjj." 

I>i't'aiii. 

FirsI  make  the  si<;n  lor  Nl('('|i,  anil  then  the  hantl  is  fairii;tl  duwu- 
\vartl  Ironi  tht;  head  anil  i-iir\i'il  npwarti  and  inward  to  the  ri^iit  breast, 
aiitl  then  thrown  out  I'roiii  the  body  (tiirnetl  over)  with  a  tlownwartl 
eiirveil  niovemeiit,  /.  <:,  hantl  tnrneil  partially  over  so  that  the  exteniletl 
tin;>'ers  pt»int  toward  the  left,  palm  of  liaiitl  nearly  Hat,  thumb  ontsitle, 
poiiitiii};' oblitpiely  tlownwartl.     (Ihihotti  1.) 

Ili'iiik,  «lriiikiii;;. 

The  hand  is  paitially  fleiielietl,  so  as  tt>  have  sometliinj;  ol"  a  eiip  shape 
antl  the  upeniii;;' between  the  Ihniiii)  anil  liii;;er  is  raisetl  to  the  mouth 
as  in  the  act  of  drinking;.     {Loiitf.) 

St;t)o|»  ni»  with  the  haittl  iiiiMj^inary  water  into  the  month,     (liiirton.) 

Forelinjier  of  rij;lit  hantl  erooketl,  tliiinib  sitle  of  hantl  inwivrd  antl 
bronj;ht  to  moiitli  in  npwarti  tairve,  then  sudtlenly  emvetl  tmtwaril  ami 
downward  .several  inches.     [Cheyenne  I.) 

l>o  the  hand  in  the  shape  of  a  enp.     {Mavi/diran.) 

With  the  rifilit  Iieltl  in  front  of  the  botly,  make  with  the  thumb  ami 
liiif^ers  a  circle  re.semblinji-  a  cup,  thumb  antl  ftnt'linj^er  formiiifj:  the  top 
or  rim,  and  then  carry  to  the  mouth,  hand  horizontal,  back  outwartl. 
{Dakota  I.)     "  Drinkinj;'  from  a  cup  or  };lass." 

The  riylit  arm  is  Hexed  autl  the  hantl,  in  tyju'-position  (V  1),  niotli- 
lietl  by  t;oIlectin};-  the  fin/ifis  antl  letting;  the  thumb  rest  aj;ainst  palms 
of  the  index  antl  initldle  lingers,  is  then  bronjiht  to  antl  from  the  mouth 
several  times  sin;e,essively.  The  ri^tlit  or  left  hantl  may  be  nsetl.  The 
motion  resembles  inncli  an  upward  rotary  movement  of  a  sjioon  from  a 


I! 

■    (. 
! 

r 


J  .( 


:  f  ■ 

hi 

hi 

,'  , 

mi 


100 

(lisli,  tlu>  liaiid  bciii};  ([iiitc  liollowcd  in  tlu^  cciitci'  to  rcNciiibh*  a  <;iii)- 
shaped  vi'sscl  in  wiiicli  water  must  be  taken.  {Oto  and  Mmouri  1.) 
"To  tnke  np  in  a  iiollow  vesNel  to  the  mouth." 

Coiieet  tiie  lingers  of  tht  lijuht  hand  to  a  point,  and  brinj;  it  to  tlie 
i.ionth,  pabn  lirst.     (  Wyundot  1.) 

The  riyht  hand  with  tijKS  of  lingei's  and  tliunib  brouf-ht  nearly  to  a 
l)oint  i.s  iu'onjilit  to  the  mouth  once  or  twice,  as  if  drinking  from  a  cup. 
{Apache  I.) 

Ilanil  iialf  closed,  supinated,  and  an  U])  and-down  motion  in  front  ot 
the  mouth.    [Zuni  I.) 

ffaliaii  Nifi)!. — Is  imitated  witli  the  list.     {Hutlvr.) 

I>i*o%«ii«mI.  * 

First  niak<-  the  si<>n  for  Kivei\  tlien  make  the  si<>'n  for  Ciioiie  lin- 
«|<>r;  should  the  ])erson  not  Ix^  rescued  \\\i\\iv  the  sign  for  fiend, 
flcafli;   should  he  be  rescued,  however,  make  the  sign  for  llrawili;;^ 

Olll,  and  if,  after  getting  the  b(»dy  out,  resuscitation  should  occur,  the 
sign  for  liifV,  living',  slioidd  be  made  to  indii^ate  that  he  has  been 
raised  (up)  t(t  life  again.     [Dakota  I.)     ''This  is  a  graphic  picture." 

Driiiii. 

Make  the  sign  for  Kclf  Ic,  with  hands  further  ai>art,  and  omit  the 
part  indicating  placing  on  the  lire;  then  hold  tlu',  left  hand  stationary 
and  raise  the  right  hand  upward  (Fist  11,  except  back  ui>ward  ami  in- 
ward); stiike  <lown  with  it  to  near  the  left  hand,  and  rejjcat  several 
times  as  though  striking  the  lieadof  a  drum.  (Paknta  I.)  "From  beat- 
ing the  drum." 

Duck. 

The  sign  for  Tlll'kev,  then  the  sign  of  "Water,  and  lastly  the  sign 
of  ISi  Willi  III  in;;:.     {Punhar.) 

Earth.  |€iiroiiiifi ;  Land. 

The  two  liauds,  open  and  extended,  brought  liorizontally  near  each 
other  opjtosite  to  either  knee,  then  carried  to  the  opposite  side  and 
raised  in  a  curve  movement  until  brought  round  and  opjtosite  to  the 
face.     ( Dunhar.) 

Kight  hand  elevated  to  level  of  face,  flattened,  palm  upward,  thumb 
pointing  forward,  little  finger  ])ointing  to  left  at  right  angle  to  thumb; 
hand  nio\ed  horizontally  forward  and  outward  to  represent  extended 
surface.  Sometimes  both  han<ls  employed,  left  hand  Hat,  palm  ni>ward, 
fingers  jiointing  to  the  right.     (Vheycnne  I.) 


n 
S 


loi 

First  point  towanl  tli*>  ^nMiiid  witli  the  i'i;;lit  index,  and  tlicn  lirin}; 
!)<)tli  liand.s  t«»K«'tlit'r  in  front  nf  tlic  chin,  Hnycrs  cxtcndt'd,  in»intiiin  to- 
ward tlic  front,  i»alnis  down,  Hat  liori/ontal  (W),  and  carry  to  tlic  rif^lit 
and  Icl'twitli  a  cnrvt'd  motion,  arms  nearly  extended.  [Itiihotn  1.)  "Tlie 
entire  eartli,  w  itiiout  end." 

K,ves  (!ast  vajiwelv  al»out,  the  liylit  arm  is  Hexed  to  the  front  ol  tlie 
body,  tlie  liand  in  type  j)osition  (I*  I)  nioditied  l»y  Itein;;-  inverted  liori- 
zontal  witli  palm  downward.  Tlie  hand  is  not  hehl  li^idly ;  it  is  then 
moved  forward  and  downward,  an*l  the  palm  point  of  the  ri^dit  mitldle 
linger  is  made  to  toneli  the  ^ronnd.  The  wiioie  arm  is  then  raised  and 
the  hand  lit  tyjie  pctsition  (\*')  describes  a  circle  before  the  body.  (O/o 
ami  MiHHOuri  I.)     "The  spheiical  object  tonched  ;  beneath  mh'." 

Ih:i(f-iniile  iiutiinil  s!;)!!. — I'oint  at  it  and  then  move  the  open  hand 
liori/onlaily,  meaning  how  extensiv*-  tiie  land  is.     (Cnmn.) 


ks  so 


d. 


Rifilit  index  points  toward  the  j^ronnd  in  front  of  the  rifi'lit  side  of  tl»e 
bod\.     (Diikotu  1.)     "  Desiynatin";- liie  "ronnd.'' 


IL 


t^ 


KiiMf.    (Compare  lliiy,  iiioriiiiiK'.) 

I'oint  to  the  east;  /.  <'.,  point  of  sunrise.     {Anipalto  I.) 

Forefinger  of  right  Inuid  crooked  lo  represent  half  of  the  sun's  disk 
and  i)ointed  or  extended  totln^  left,  then  slightly  elevated.     {Vhciivniie  1.) 

Simply  jtoint  toward  the  east  with  the  extended  riglit  index.  (/>«- 
kotal.)    "Direction." 

Eat,  ciitiii^;   I  liave  cafoii. 

The  lingers  and  tluunb  are  brought  together  in  op|)osition  to  each 
otlier,  into  something  of  a  wedge  shape,  and  passed  to  and  from  the 
mouth  four  or  live  times,  within  the  distance  of  three  or  four  inches  of 
it,  to  imitate  the  action  of  food  passing  to  the  month.     {Long.) 

Imitate  the  action  of  conveying  Ibod  with  the  lingers  to  the  mouth. 
{Burton.) 

IJringing  the  list  to  the  mouth.     {Mnvijowan.) 

Join  the  tips  of  the  fingers  and  tluimbs,  and  move  them  bacjk  and 
forth  towards  the  mouth.  CVfcycHHe sign.  (Report  of  Lieut.'/,  ir.  Ahert, 
loc.  cit.,  p.  431.) 

Fingers  and  tluunb  of  right  hand  placed  together  as  if  grasping  a 
muisel,  brought  suddenly  upward  to  level  of  nu)uth  and  moved  toward 
it  and  downward  in  the  direction  of  the  throat  to  suggest  the  act  of 
cramming.     {Cheyenne  I.) 


••r' 


^i^ 


1.' ;  •  I  : 


trt 


\M\'^^ 


Sf* 


11 


! 


ii 


■!) 


I  i 


if- 


102 

llifijlit  liiuul  8coo])-faslii(>ii,  back  of  liaiid  outward  at  the  front  of  body, 
Iiei}>iit  of  abdomen,  is  ca.ried  to  the  nioutli  as  thoii^Ii  conveying  food, 
and  repeated  several  times.  (Dakota  1.)  ''From  the  movements  of 
the  hands  i.i  eatinj;." 

1  have  eaten. 

After  making  the  above  sifjii  the  extended  thumb  and  forelin}>er  of 
the  right  hand  (other  tinkers  closed)  is  passed,  back  of  hand  outward, 
iiori/ontal,  &c.,  from  the  stomacli  upwanl  in  front  of  body  and  mouth 
and  above  the  latter.     [Pakofa  I.)     "I  am  full." 

Ch>se  tln^  hand,  allowin<j  the  foreliufjer  extended,  then  move  it  up 
iMul  down  before  the  face  several  times  toward  and  from  the  mouth,  as 
if  ramminjf  food  into  the  mouth  witii  tlie  lin{>er.     (Dakota  V.) 

Hriufi'  the  thumb,  index,  and  second  tinj;er  to  a  point,  and  make  re- 
peated motions  downward  before  tlie  face  toward  the  month.  [Dakota 
VH.) 

Tlie  liands,  witli  arms  tiexed  at  elbow,  and  lingers,  as  in  type  (E  1), 
moditied  by  hand  being  held  hori/.oiital,  palm  up,  nur  brongiit  alter- 
nat«'ly  to  the  inoutii  and  back,  as  it  were,  to  the  table  or  dish,  as  motion 
of  Ciiincse  eating  rice.     (Oto  I.)     "To  till  up  in  parts." 

Collect  the  thumb,  index  and  second  lingers  to  a  ])oint,  hold  them 
above  and  in  front  of  the  month,  and  make  a  reiteated  (hitting  motion 
toward  the  mouth.     (Kaioical;  Vomattclie  III  ;  Apache  11;    Wichita  II.) 

Place  the  thumb  across  the  palmar  surfa<'e  of  the  ]»art!y  extended 
lingers  of  the  right  hand,  then  bring  the  tips  of  the  lingers  to  the  nioutii 
([uickly  several  times.     (Pai-Utel.) 

Kxtend  the  index  (or  index  and  second  linger)  of  tin'  right  hand,  lu)ld 
it  in  front  of  and  a  little  higher  than  the  m<<".;tli,  palm  towards  the  neck, 
then  make  r«'|)eated  thrnsts  toward  the  mouth  with  the  (inger.  {Ute  I.) 
"Indicates  the  direction  in  which  food  goes." 

('h>se  the  right  liand,  l»'aving  the  index  (extended  but  slightly  curved; 
place  the  hand  in  front  of  and  a  little  above  the  nnnith,  making  a  <piick 
motion  of  ]>ointing  to  and  back  from  the  month  several  times,  as  if  ram- 
ming down  anything.     {Apache  I.) 

Italian  sii/ii. — Is  imitated  with  the  open  hand      (liutler.) 

Something  to  c.i:. 


Join  the  ends  of  tiie  lingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand,  place  them 
uiiright  six  or  eight  inches  in  front  of  the  mouth,  backs  forward;  bend 
the  hand  at  the  wrist  and  turn  the  ends  of  the  fingers  and  move  them 


103 

toward  the  inontli  luul  then  downward  to  the  ui)i)er  i)art  of  the  sternum 
(breastbone).  (Dakota  IV.)  "Tutting  food  into  the  mouth  and  swal- 
lowiiif?  it."  •; 

Tlie  rifjht  hand  hehl  up  with  tlu'  (iiifjers  and  thund*  extended  and  ap- 
proaehinjr  each  other  as  if  hohling  an  eyj;;  witiiin.     {Diinhar.) 

With  the  (inj^er  and  thumb  of  the  ri}j;ht  hand  suj>}fest  tlu^  outline  of 
an  dug.  Tiie  tinkers  and  tiiund)  of  the  h>lt  hand  are  also  sonant inies 
shaped  in  the  same  manner,  and  .phu'.ed  over  tlu',  jxtiMts  of  the  ri^iit  iis 
they  assume  tlie  position  described.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Glk  (i'eri'xs  canailensis). 

Stretch  the  arms  liifjii  and  ah)n>{si(U^  (»f  the  head.  ( Wirtl.)  Tiiis 
sifiu  is  still  in  use.  (Matthews.)  In  the  Oto  sii^ii  both  arms  are  elevated 
and  the  hands  opened,  but  fin^'ers  a|)pro\imated,  are  then  placed  aside 
the  head.  The  liiiiids  are  in  t.v|te  jxtsition  (T),  l>alms  outward;  the 
ball  of  the  thumb  rests  a}>iiinst  parietal  rid,^c.  'I'houjih  there  is  an 
evident  inconiplelencss  in  lV'/«/'.s'  description,  a  marked  identity  in 
position  of  tlui  arms  an*l  the  probable  conception  is  observable.  The 
sifjn  is  completed  by  the  rij>ht  index  markinj;'  on  the  extended  left  index 
the  animals  slunt  tail.     (IMeU'r.) 

Is  sij>'nilied  by  simultaneously  raisinj*'  both  hands  with  the  tin<j;crs  ex- 
tended on  both  sides  of  the  head  to  imitatt>  palmated  horns,     (liitrton.) 

All  or  most  of  the  lin<;ers  of  both  hands  held  toficther  and  biou^ht  to 
the  sides  of  the  head  to  represent  the  |)almated  horns  of  an  elk. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

The  same  as  Deer,  except  that  after  the  tirst  i)osition  both  haiuls 
with  tlufjcrs  spread  are  carried  upwards  and  outwards  to  imitate  the 
branchiiifj  horns  of  the  animal.     (Dakota  II.) 

Extend  and  widely  sepaiate  the  tinf:ers  and  thumbs  of  botli  hands, 
])lace  them  u|>riji;ht,  palms  inward,  just  above  and  in  front  of  the  cars, 
and  shake  them  back  and  forth  tiiree  or  four  tinu's.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"The  elk's  antlers. 

The  arms  are  elevated  and  the  hands  plactnl  aside  of  the  licivd  with 
the  finders  extended  but  approximated  as  in  jtosition  (^V  1) — more  erect. 
The  extende«l  vijxM  indexlinf^cr  marks  otV  on  the  extended  left  index 
the  length  of  the  tail.  (Oto  and  Misnouri  I.)  "The  siuul  tail  and 
broad  Iku'us  of  the  aninnil." 

i.  IMaee  both  tlat  hands  with  tlufjers  and  thinnbs  spread  upward  and 
outward  from  either  side  of  the  head  at  arm's  len{>th.     ( I'te  J.) 


.*'5 


If! 


■i 


I 


II 


t!i  ' 


li  y 


f; 


104 

Embroider  j^'. 

Same  as  that  part  of  the  sign  for  BeadM  where  the  hands  are  in 
front  of  the  body,  left  stationary,  and  the  ri};ht  hohlinj;'  the  sinew  moved 
to  and  over  it.     (Dakota  I.)     "  From  embroidering  witli  beads." 

End.    See  Done. 


Enemy. 

With  the  right  tore  and  michlle  fingers  spread,  pointing  toward  the 
left,  and  bacjks  forward,  throw  tlie  iiand  abont  a  foot  forward  and  out- 
ward two  (u- three  times  from  near  theface  ("1  don't  want  to  see  him"); 
touch  the  chest  over  tlie  heart  and  afterward  make  the  sign  for  Bad 
("my  heart  is  bad");  then,  fiomjust  in  front  of  the  right  eye,  its  palm 
forward,  i)ush  th(^  nj>rigiit  fist  forward  six  inches  and  a  little  toward  tlie 
lefl,  at  the  same  time  turning  the  jialm  ba(!kward  ("I  am  angiy").  Da- 
kota IV.) 

The  Italian  sit/ii  for  enmitj/. — Oiijiositicui  in  tiie  ends  of  the  middle 
lingers  toudiiiig  eadi  other,  and  all  the  re.st  of  the  fingeis  clinched. 
(lint  ley.) 

Enoii;;li,  a  lielly  full.    ((%)m]>are  fiilad  and  Full.) 

The  sign  for  Eaf  in$;°  is  first  nuide,  tlu'u  tiu^  tliumb  and  foiefinger 
are  ojtposed  to  each  other  so  as  to  form  a  .semicircidar  curve,  which  is 
elevated  along  the  body  from  the  l>elly  to  the  neck,  in  order  to  indicate 
that  the  interior  is  filled  with  food  up  to  that  part.     {Burton.) 

First  make  sign  for  Eatin;;',  then  stretch  the  forefingers  and  thumbs 
apart,  as  if  to  span  sometiiing;  then  i)lace  the  hand  near  the  stonuich, 
and  move  it  uj»  along  the  body  until  the  muscle  connecting  the  thumb 
and  forefinger  rests  in  the  mouth.  Chci/enne  sign.  (Report  of  J.  W. 
Ahert,  loc.  cit.,  p.  l.'il.) 

Right  hand  brougiit  to  front  of  body,  forefinger  pointing  to  and  rest- 
ing against  stomach  and  gently  drawn  along  upward  to  the  throat  and 
continued  ujiward  and  outward.     {Vheiicnne  I.) 

The  8iou\  Indians  express  Enoii;(li  by  End,  Done.  (J)ahota  I.) 
"I  am  done;  have  had  enough." 

Make  the  sign  Dei^ire,  then  the  sign  for  Jlfo.     {Dakota  IV'.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  .siffns. — Move  the  hand  (palm  uj)ward)  in  a  gentle 
curve  downward,  with  a  suitable  expression  of  countenance.    {Ballard.) 

Bend  your  head  a  little  forward  and  move  the  hand  (held  horizon- 
tally) upward  on  the  throat.     {Cross.) 

Move  the  forefinger  across  the  front  of  the  neck  from  side  to  side,  so 
aa  to  indicate  that  the  throat  is  tull.    {Hasenstah.) 


105 


Move  to  and  fro  the  outstretched  hand  over  the  other  hand.    (Larson.) 
Entering  a  lioiiMe  or  ioAge.    See  Ijodge. 
Equal.    See  Same. 
Eiclianf^e.    See  Trade. 

Excited ;  excitement. 

Same  sifjn  as  for  Coward,  Fear.  The  heart  being  the  primary 
Heat  of  the  emotions  from  the  standpoint  of  the  Indian,  lie  acknowUidges 
no  sneh  thing  as  excitement  of  mind,  therefore  this  word  is  inchided  in 
fear,  for  every  Indian  who  allows  his  heart  to  flutter  is  considered  by  his 
peojde  a  coward.     {Dakota  I.)     "From  fear,  coward." 

Eye. 

Simply  t<mch  the  eye  with  the  right  index.     (Dakota  I.) 

Face. 

The  hand  is  passed  downward  in  front  of  the  face,  once  only,  fron» 
for«'head  to  chin  or  a  little  below  the  chin.     (Mandan  and  Jlidatsa  I.) 

Fail,  to. 

Left  hand  stationary,  horizontal,  fingers  nearly  closcil,  back  of  hand 
ontward  about  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  breast,  and  the  right  index 
(others  closed)  is  brougiit  upward  close  in  front  of  the  body  to  the  breast 
and  then  carried  out  to  the  left  hand  with  slight  up  and  down  Jerking 
motions,  finger  ujuight,  back  of  hand  inward,  and  then  draw  the  right 
hand  back  directly  to  the  breast,  and  make  tiie  sign  for  Xo.  (Dakota 
1.)     "He  did  it  not.     He  did  not  come;  did  not  keep  his  ai)pointment." 

Failure. 

Hold  the  le*'t  hand  edgewise  before  the  breast,  pointing  forward,  then 
bring  the  extended  index,  i)ointing,  toward  the  left  ]»alm;  touch  it,  and 
throw  the  index   in  a  short  curve  over    and   downward  on  its  bai^k, 
resembling  the  sign  for  Dead.     (I\<iioica  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  V\ 
Wichita  II.)     "  lnterrui)ted  in  pi'ogress;  defeated  eftbrts." 

Fall,  to. 

Left  hand  extended  to  the  front,  jialmdown,  then  bring  tips  of  all  the 
fingers  together,  open  and  shut,  as  if  letting  something  fall.    (Omaha  T.) 

Fall,  first  (of  the  leaves). 

Raise  the  left  hand  above  the  head,  forefinger  extended,  move  right 
and  left  with  a  waning  and  trembling  motion.     (Omaha  I.) 

False.    See  Lie. 

Far,  a  long  way  off'.    See  Distance,  far. 

14 


-'  Uj  ■ 


<■  M 


fe. 


1: 


\ 


106 

lilackeii  face,  neck,  and  bands.  In  camp  sit  cross-lefjged,  eyes  bent 
on  tbe  eartb ;  fold  bands  in  front,  i)alnis  up,  remaining  motionless,  fre- 
quently uttering  in  a  low  voice,  progress  (?).  When  standing  perfectly 
erect  and  motionless.     (Ojihica  IV.) 

Fat. 

Raise  tbe  left  arm  witli  list  closed,  back  outward,  grasp  tbe  arm  witb 
tbe  riglit  band  and  rub  downward  tbereon.     ( Wied.) 

(1)  IJotb  bands,  loosely  cIoskI,  brougbt  near  to  and  on  a  level  witb 
tbe  sboulders;  (2)  pusbed  a  few  incbes  straigbt  forward  and  sligbtly 
u]>ward.  (Cheyenne  I.)  "I'robably  lumps  of  fat  taken  from  a  large  or 
broad  animal." 

Botb  tists  clincbed,  placed  before  tbe  breast,  tbunibs  toucbing  and 
palms  downward ;  tben  draw  tbeni  outward  and  downward,  forming  tbe 
upper  lialf  of  a  circle.    (Abmroki  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banal-  I.) 

Sign  for  illail,  and  tben  tbe  sign  for  Big'  made  in  front  of  tbe  abdo- 
meji.     {J)akt)ta  I.)     "  Big  in  body.'' 

Hold  tbeoi)ened  left  band  oblicpu'ly  upward  toward  tberigbt,  a  foot  in 
front  of  tbe  breast,  palm  upward,  backward,  and  to  tberigbt;  grasp  tbe 
ulnar  side  of  tbe  band  between  tbe  tingers  and  tbumb  of  tbe  riglit  band, 
tbe  tlinrnb  on  tbe  palm,  iind  rub  it  ligbtly  from  tbe  base  of  tbe  tingers  to 
tbe  wrist  several  tinu^s.     [Dakota  IV.)     "Tbick,  and  tberefore  fat." 

l)Otb  arms  are  tlexed  inward  and  botb  bands  brougbt  before  the 
body,  divergent  and  extended  tingers  drooped.  The  bands  are  much  in 
tbe  i)Ositi()n  (l|)  on  type  plates.  In  tbis  position  tbe  bands  describe  a 
semicircle  over  tbe  abdomen,  and  are  carried  over  tbe  limbs  severally. 
If  tbe  sign  is  a])i>lied  to  anj- otber  object  tban  man,  tbe  sign  correspond- 
ing to  said  object  is  tirst  made.  [Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Of  increased 
dimensions  or  tbat  wbi(;b  increases  one's  size." 

Father.    See  Relationship. 

Fear,  eowariiiee;  eoi^arfl. 

The  two  bands  witb  tbe  tingers  turned  inward  opposite  to  the  lower 
ribs,  tben  brougbt  upward  with  a  tremulous  movement  as  if  to  repre- 
sent the  common  idea  of  the  heart  rising  up  to  the  throat.     {Dunhar.) 

The  head  stooped  down  and  the  arm  thrown  uj)  to  protect  it;  a  quick 
motion.     {Lonfi.) 

Point  forward] with  the  index,  foUowed  by  the  remaining  tingers;  each 
time  tbat  is  done  draw  back  tbe  index.  (  Wied.)  Impossible  to  keep  the 
coward  to  tbe  fiont. 


107 


i  .:1 


(I)  Fiiifier.s  and  thumb  of  ripht  liiiiid,  wliich  droops  dowiiwiird,  closod 
to  a  point  to  re])resi',nt  a  lieart;  (2)  violently  and  r(;i)eatedly  beaten 
against  tlio  left  breast  Just  over  the  heart  to  imitate  jyalpitalion.  {Chey- 
enne L) 

May  be  sisnifled  by  making  the  sign  for  a  f<*i«|iiaWf  if  the  one  in  fear 
be  a  man  or  boy.     {Arapaho  I.) 

Orook  the  index,  elosi^  the  other  fingers,  and,  with  its  back  u])\vard, 
draw  the  right  hand  baekwai'd  about  a  foot,  from  eighteen  inches  in 
front  of  the  right  breast.     {I>aluta  lY.)    "Drawing  back." 

Make  the  sign  for  Rrave,  then  throw  the  right  hand,  o])en  and  Hat, 
outward  toward  the  right.  (Abmroht  I;  tShoshoni  anil  lianaJc  I.)  "Not 
brave." 

l{ight  hand  (||)  in  front  of  left  breast,  back  outward,  and  carried  for- 
ward for  about  six  inches  with  a  tremulous  motion  of  the  fingers. 
Many  of  the  Sioux,  however,  do  not  move  the  hand  from  the  breast. 
{Dnlotn  I.)    "Excitement:  fiuttering  of  the  heart." 

Cross  tlie  arms  over  the  breast,  fists  closed ;  bow  the  head  over  the 
crossed  arms,  but  turn  it  a  little  to  the  left.     (Omaha  I.) 

Strike  the  right  side  of  the  breast  gently  with  the  i)almar  side  of  the 
right  fist;  then  tlirow  the  hand  (lownward  and  outward  toward  the 
right,  suddenly  sn;ip[)ing  the  fingei-s  from  the  ball  of  the  thumb,  where 
they  had  been  resting,  as  if  spriidding  water.     (  Wi/aniJot  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  nigntt. — Itepresented  by  shuddering  with  the  shoul- 
ders and  moving  the  body  slightly  backward.     {Ballanl.) 

Ruji  backward.     {Larson.) 

Place  the  forefinger  between  the  upper  and  lower  teeth.    {Zeigler.) 

Tlie  French  deafinutes,  besides  beating  the  heart,  add  a  nervous 
backward  shrinking  with  both  hands.  Our  deaf-mutes  omit  the  beating 
of  the  heart,  except  for  excessive  terror. 

Female.    (Compare  Woman.) 

Bring  the  two  hands  open  toward  the  breast,  the  fingers  ai)proaching, 
and  then  move  them  outward.     {Dunbar.) 

Elevate  the  open  right  hand,  pointing  forward,  to  the  level  (»f  and  to 
the  right  of  the  shoulder;  draw  the  fingers  back,  keeping  them  together 
until  the  tip  of  the  forefinger  rests  against  the  tip  of  the  thumb,  form- 
ing an  almond-shaped  opening  between  the  thumb  and  forefinger. 
{Cheyenne  I.)  "Probably  from  its  resemblance  to  the  appearance  of  the 
external  female  genitals." 


■n 


m 

i< 

! 

.;    'iWSt 

1 

1 

iM 


108 


I 


f 


Api)lied  to  aiiiiniils. 


Same  as  the  sign  for  l^oilian.     (Dakota  I.)    "  Designating  sex. 
From  the  Howing  liair  of  woman." 


Generic. 


Fingers  and  thumbs  of  both  hands  separated  and  curved ;  place  the 
hands  over  the  breasts  and  draw  them  forward  a  short  distance.   ( Ute  I.) 

Fence. 

Both  hands  extended,  fingers  si)read ;  place  those  of  the  right  into 
the  spaces  between  those  of  the  left;  then  indicate  a  zigzag  course  for- 
ward with  the  extended  index.  {Wyandot  I.)  "  Position  of  rails  in  a 
fence,  and  the  zigzag  course." 

Fi^lit,  fi^lltinif.     (Compare  Battle.) 

Make  a  motion  with  '>oth  fists  to  and  fro,  like  a  pugilist  of  the 
eighteenth  century,  who  preferred  a  high  guard.     [liurtoit.) 

Joining  hands  rajudly.     {Macf/owan.) 

Same  sign  as  f(U'  Battle.     (Dakota  I.) 

Both  hands  clinched,  holding  them  i)alm  to  j)alin  iit  a  distance  of 
about  four  inches  from  one  another;  form  short  vertical  circles,  as  if 
"sawing"  a  hard-mouthed  horse.    (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Both  hands  (!h)sed,  forefingers  elevated  and  extended,  facing  one 
another;  move  palms  toward  and  from  each  other.     (Omaha  I.) 

Close  both  hands,  except  the  index-fingers.  Hold  them  before  the 
breast,  the  index-fingers  upright,  and  move  these  from  side  to  side, 
opposite  each  other,  like  two  antagonists  facing  one  another  and  avoid- 
ing each  other's  blows.  Tliis  movement,  followed  by  that  for  Dead, 
would  express  "  They  fought,  and  one  was  killed."  If  more  than  one, 
hold  ui)  two  or  more  fingers.     (Iroquois  I.) 

Both  hands  brought  up  nearly  as  high  as  the  face,  about  twelve  inches 
apart,  fingers  pointing  toward  those  of  the  opposite  hand ;  the  fingers 
are  then  moved  carelessly  as  the  haiuls  are  brought  toward  and  from 
one  another.     (  Wyandot  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sifinii, — Act  as  if  you  strike  your  left  open  hand  with 
your  right  clinched  hand,  and  do  the  act  of  striking  several  times  suc- 
cessively.    (Haseustab.) 

Raise  the  fists  as  fiirliters  begin  to  fight.    (Larson.) 

■ Indian. 


Extend  both  arms,  haiuls  clinched  (J);  place  the  tips  of  the  index- 
lingers  together,  and  push  them  first  one  way  and  then  the  other,  still 


•I :  :J 


109 

keepiiifj  the  tips  of  the  ioreliiifiers  together.     Facial  expressions  add 
greatly  to  the  intensity  of  all  signs.     (Comanche  1.)     "  Wrestling." 

FiniNlied.    See  Done. 

Fire,  biirniii;;. 

The  two  hands  brought  near  the  breast,  touehing  or  ai)proaehing  each 
other,  and  half  shut;  then  moved  outward  moderately  (piick,  the  lingers 
being  extended  and  the  hands  a  little  separated  at  the  same  time,  as  if 
to  imitate  the  a]»pearance  of  Hame.     (Dunbar.) 

The  act  of  striking  tire  with  the  flint  and  steel  is  represented;  after 
which  the  ascent  of  the  smoke  is  indicated  by  closing  the  lingers  and 
thumb  of  the  right  hand,  holding  them  in  a  vertical  position,  with  the 
hand  as  low  as  convenient;  th-^  liand  is  then  giadnally  elevated,  and 
the  tingers  and  thumb  a  little  expanded  to  show  the  ascent  and  expan- 
sion of  the  volume  of  smoke.     (Long.) 

Hold  the  tingers  of  the  right  hand  slightly  opened  and  upward  and 
elevate  the  han<l  several  times.  (Wied.)  The  body  is  bent  somewhat 
forward — the  right  index,  middle  linger,  and  thumb  are  thei\  ap])roxi' 
united  at  their  points  and  hand  is  held,  droopingly,  near  the  ground. 
The  hand  thus  cup  sluipcd  is  made  to  open  and  close  successively  and 
rise  by  jerks,  like  the  jumping  and  cracking  of  a  flame.  Although  the 
position  of  the  hand  is  reversed  in  ir/tv/'.s'  sign,  there  is  a  marked  simi- 
larity of  execntion  and  coucei>tion  in  the  two.  (Hoteler.)  The  sign 
may  portray  the  rising  forked  tongues  of  the  flauie. 

Bh)w  it  and  warm  the  hands  before  it.  To  exi)ress  the  boiling  of  a 
kettle,  the  sign  of  Fire  is  made  low  down  and  an  imaginary  jmt  is 
eaten  from.    (Burton.) 

Scratching  the  breast.     (Macgowan.) 

Raise  aiid  lower  the  hand  alteruately,  palm  up,  the  Angers  extended 
upward  and  moving  in  iiuitation  of  tongues  of  flame.     (Arnpaho  I.) 

Right  forearm  in  vertical  position,  and  hand  slowly  elevated,  the 
fingers  and  thumb  pointing  ui)ward,  being  meanwhile  opened  and  closed 
two  or  three  times.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Right  hand  (P)  extended  in  front  to  the  grouiul,  lingers  pointing 
uitward,  raise  the  hand  slowly,  with  a  tremidous  motion,  not  more  than  a 
foot  from  the  ground  to  denote  a  small  fire,  such  as  Indians  build  in 
their  lodges.  For  a  larger  fire  raise  the  hand  higher  with  the  tremulous 
motion.  Ot  course  the  body  will  have  to  l)e  inclined  foi'ward  in  making 
this  sign.     (JJakoia  I.)     "  From  the  flame  and  snu)ke  of  a  flre." 


mmm 


li 


111 


f1' 


•i 


J  I 
'I 


110 

Kiiise  the  right  hand  .several  times  from  near  tlie  ground,  its  back 
forward,  fingers  pointing  upward  and  a  little  bent  and  seponited. 
{Dakota  IV.)     '•  Flames  shooting  upward." 

The  hand  is  brought  near  the  ground  in  liand  type  (tr),  the  body  at 
the  same  time  inclined  forward.  The  fingers  and  thund)  ai-e  then  suc- 
ce.ssively  opened  and  (slosed  as  the  hand  is  elevated  by  jerks,  as  it  were. 
{Oto  I.)     ".lumping  ami  craekling  of  a  Hanie." 

liight  hand,  palm  toward  and  a  short  distance  befcne  the  waist,  fin- 
gers extended  upward  and  separated,  moved  ni»ward  about  eight  or  ten 
inches  several  times.     {Ute  1.)     "Tongues  of  lire,  flame." 

Deaf-mute  natural  siffiis. — Hlow  tiirougii  the  mouth,  and  move  tlie  hand 
up  and  down  rapidly.     {Ballard,) 

Open  both  hands  freely,  move  them  u[)  fast  and  down  slowly  several 
times,  and  at  tiie  same  time  keej)  the  moutii,  half  ()|)en,  blowing.  {Hasen- 
Ntah.) 

Move  tlie  lingers  of  botli  hands  togetiier  u|»ward  witii  a  little  blow 
sent  from  tlie  mouth.     {Ijarmn.) 

To  light  a. 

Hold  the  left  hand  before  the  body,  palm  down  and  arched,  (H)llect 
the  lingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  to  a  i)()int  and  pass  them 
quickly  along  tlie  tliumb  of  tlie  left  from  the  basal, joint  toward  the  tip; 
then  i»ia(!e  the  right  hand  (piickly  under  the  arched  left  for  a  moment ; 
then  suddeidy  closing  both  hands,  side  by  side,  move  them  upward  a 
few  inches,  <piickly  extending  the  fingers  and  thumbs  in  so  doing;  palms 
forward.     ( lltv  I.)     "  Striking  a  match,  kiiulling  the  brush,  and  smoke." 

Hold  both  hands  before  the  body,  straight,  fingers  curved  sufficient 
for  the  tips  to  be  directed  towiird  their  respective  hands ;  strike  from 
above  downward  with  the  right,  so  that  the  finger-nails  strike  those  of 


the  left  in  passing.    {Apache  I.) 
tire  with  Hint." 

To  make  a. 


"  From  the  old  method  of  obtaining 


First  make  the  sign  for  Fire  ;  then  hold  the  arched  left  hand  close 
to  the  ground  with  the  palm  downward,  placing  the  right,  fingers  and 
thumb  directed  to  a  point,  underneath  the  left.  {Apaehel.)  "Kindling 
grass  or  other  combustibles." 

FiMh. 

Hold  the  upper  edge  of  the  hand  horizontally,  and  agitate  it  in  the 
manner  of  a  fan  but  more  rapidly,  in  imitation  of  the  motion  of  the  tail 
of  the  fish.     {Long.) 


Ill 


Make  the  nipi  for  River,  T^ake,  or  Pond,  aix!  thou  with  the 
ripht  index  in  front  of  tlie  body  move  in  imitation  of  a  Bwinimin^  tish. 
(l)alota  I.)     "  From  the  manner  of  swiniminf;." 

The  extended  ri{>ht  hand,  tliumb  npward,  tinjjers  jmintin^;  forward,  is 
held  near  the  body,  in  front  and  to  the  right  of  the  median  line ;  it  is 
then  moved  rather  gently  forward  with  a  lat<ually  waving  motion,  ho  tM 
to  represent  the  movements  of  a  fish.    [Mandan  and  Hidutita  I.) 

Flame.    See  Fire. 

Flat.     (Compare  Bift'  in  tiie  sense  of  Flat.) 

Bring  both  hands  together  in  front  of  the  breast,  fingers  extended 
and  pointing  outward,  forward,  palms  upward  (X),  tlat,  and  earry  the 
arms  (mt  to  the  sides  of  the  l)ody  as  far  as  they  can  be  extended  and  as 
nearly  on  the  same  level  as  jMissible.  {Dakota  I.)  "A  level  or  tlat 
pieee  of  ground." 

J)eaf-mute  natural  Htyn. — Move  one  hand  horizontally  over  th«'  ofier. 
{Ballard.) 

Flour. 

Pantomimic. — Sinuilate  kneading  dough.     {Arapaho  I.) 

With  the  right  haiul  (4|)  in  front  of  body  as  though  holding  Hour  or 
any  pulverized  siibstaneeand  sprinkling  or  sifting  it  through  the  thumb 
and  forednger,     {Dakota  \.)    "A  fine  substance." 

The  arms  are  extended  in  front  of  the  body,  parallel  with  the  hands 
in  positi(ms  (S,  S),  nmdified  by  being  held  horizontal.  The  palms  are 
then  jjpproximated  as  in  slai)ping  together,  and  opened  several  times 
successively.  Finally  the  hands  are  made  to  turn  over,  the  palms 
loosely  in  contact,  in  a  tumbling  manner,  the  right  and  left  alternately 
cmtop.  {(Ho  and  Misnouri  I.)  "The  sign  reju'csents  the  Indian's  mode 
of  fiattening  the  dough  for  cakes." 


;'!' 


t;;. 


Fly,  To  (as  a  bird). 

Imitate  with  crooked  elbows  the  motion  of  wing  during  flight. 
liaho  I.) 


{Ara- 


Bring  the  hands  slightly  in  front  of  their  respective  sides  of  the  head 
(hands  as  in  T),  and,  by  bending  the  wrists,  make  the  forward  and 
backward  movements  as  nearly  as  possible  in  imitation  of  the  move- 
ments of  a  bird's  wings  in  flying.     {Dakota  I.) 

Fool,  Foolish. 

The  finger  is  i)ointed  to  the  forehead,  and  the  hand  is  then  held  verti- 
cally above  the  head  and  rotated  on  the  wrist  two  or  three  times.  {Long.) 
Rattle-brained. 


*  7'*  I 

m 


I  ■" 


12 


1    ■; 


I'!    ' 


i'i   .' 


illl 


Hti 


n 


I 

f 


V\swA-i  the  lininl  in  front  of  the  head,  back  ontward,  then  turn  it  round 
iu  a  circlt',  Hcvi'ial  times.     (Wied.)     8till  used.     Also  for  C^raxy,  1 

think.     (Mdttheics.) 

Sitiii  for  iHail ;  ri^lit  hand  extended  (h)\vn\vard,  palm  outward,  An- 
gers unelosed  and  shaken.  When  referring  to  a  particular  per.S(>n  the 
linger  of  the  rigiit  hand  is  pointed  at  liim,  eyes  resting  on  liim  criticallj't 
brows  raised  and  contracted  as  iu  pity  and  aversion.  {Cheyenne  I.) 
The  shaking  of  tin*  opened  fingers  gives  tiie  idea  of  "hxisein^ss"  with- 
on.  reference  to  the  liead. 

Bring  tlu>  riglit  liand  to  the  medial  line  of  the  forehead  (R),  fingers 
but  slightly  separated,  where  it  is  rotated  seveial  times  two  or  three 
inches  in  front.     [Dakota  I.)     "  Hattle-brained." 

Move  the  opiMied  right  hand  through  asnndl  cinrle  two  or  three  times 
in  front  of  llie  forehead,  the  palm  toward  the  le  t,  fingers  sei)arated  a 
little  and  i)oiniing  upward.     (Dakota  IV.)     "  Head  turiUKl." 

Hotate  the  extended  and  sci>arated  index  and  second  lingers  of  the 
hand  ujtward  and  toward  tlu^  left  before  the  forehead.  (Dakota  VI ; 
llidatm  I  ;  Arikara  I.) 

French  deal-nuit«'s  shake  the  hands  above  the  head  after  touching  it 
with  the  index. 

lie  is  the  greatest  fool  of  all. 

Sway  the  hand  (\¥  1),  palm  downward  "over  all,"  then  point  to  the 
person  (tig.  1),  then  place  end  of  fingers  on  forehead  (H  I),  and  then 
swing  hand  around  in  circle  in  front  of  forehead,  hand  and  fingers  u))- 
riglit,  joiiu'd,  and  ]>alni  (»bli(pui  to  face  (T  1,  i>alm  oblicpu'),  and  lastly 
make  the  sign  Rnd.     (Sahaptin  I.)     "  Of  all,  his  brain  w  liirls  worst." 

Your  words  are  foolish. 

After  |)ointing  to  jum'sou  addressed  ami  making  sign  for  words  (as 
in  Cr),  the  hand  is  moved  to  a  point  in  front,  but  little  to  rigiit,  of 
forehead,  fingers  all  naturally  relaxed,  i»ointing  ui>ward,  ]>alm  (piarter- 
iug  to  fa<;e  (Y  1,  changed  to  vertical  position),  then  swung  around  in 
small  circle  several  times,  then  dropped  to  a  ]>oint  in  front  of  body  and 
thrown  vigorously  downward  to  side  and  rear.  At  beginning  of  tliis 
last  nujtion  the  fingers  are  hooked,  second  resting  against  thumb,  palm 
downward  (CJ  1),  but  during  battkward  movement  the  fingers  are  grad- 
ually thrown  open,  palm  outward  (R  1,  fingers  jHtiutiug  obli(piely  down- 
ward). Sign  Rail  (C).  (Sahaptin  I.)  "  Words  from  whirling  brain — 
bad." 

Forest. 

Slightly  spread  and  raise  the  ten  fingers,  bringing  the  hands  together 
in  front  of  the  face;  then  separate  them.  (  Wied.)  The  numerous  trees 
and  their  branches  nuiy  be  indicated,  for  a  time  obscuring  the  vision. 


1 1.'{ 


iSprc'iul  tlie  Ilii^H'sof  the  ri^lit  liaiul  Mli{;litly ;  ruist;  the  liaiul  on  a  level 
witli  tlie  face,  and  while  inoviii^r  it  from  sitle  it  Im  K^'iitly  thrust  up  and 
down.  {Dakota  V.)  "The  lirif^er.s  represent  the  a|)])earan('e  (»f  the 
trunks  of  tlie  trees  visible  ahinj^;  the  edf^e  of  the  forest." 

I{aise  tlie  hand  vertically,  jialni  up,  tiiif^ers  partially  elosed  and  ex- 
tended upward,  in  a  manner  indieative  of  tlie  jjrowth  of  trees.  {Am- 
paho  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Tree,  and  then  the  sign  for  1^1111^.  {Dakota  I.) 
'  ^lany  trees." 

Make  the  signs  for  Ax  and  Treew.  {Dakota  VI;  Jlidatxa  I;  Art- 
kara  I.)     "Timber  that  is  Ht  for  cutting  with  an  ax." 

Make  the  sign  for  Tree  several  times,  then  throw  the  back  of  the 
upright  and  Mat  right  hand  toward  the  right,  front,  and  left.  (Kaiowa 
1;  Coiiiam'lic  \ll  ;  Apachr  \l;  Wichita  W.)  "Trees,  trunks  close"  (rej)- 
reseiited  by  joined  lingers),  "  all  around." 

For^-el,  f'ors'otleii. 

Hands  outsjuead,  opened,  palms  downward  ;  crossed  as  in  sign  for 
iVij;iit  or  ilarkiiewM  at  a  level  of  and  angle  with  the  elbows,  left 
hand  being  over  the  right.     {Vhcyinnv  I.)     Darkness  in  the  memory. 

Deaf  mutr  natural  si(/ns. — l*ut  the  hand  on  the  forehead  and  draw  it 
away.     {Ballard.) 

Have  the  head  up  suddenly,  and  open  the  mouth  a  little  at  the  same 
time,  and  then  nod,  and  the  ujiper  teeth  r«'st  on  the  lower  lip.  {Ilasen- 
stah.) 

Place  the  forefinger  on  the  forehead  and  then  strike  the  laj*  with  the 
shut  hand.     {Zeigler.) 

Fort. 

On  level  of  the  breasts  in  front  of  body,  both  hands  with  fingers  turned 
inward,  straight,  backs  .joined, backs  of  hands  outward,  hoiizontal,  turn 
(mtward  the  bauds  until  the  fingers  are  free,  curve  them,  and  bring  the 
wrists  together  so  as  to  describe  a  cin^le  with  a  space  left  between  the 
ends  of  the  curved  fiiigeis.     {Dakota  I.)     "  A  circularly  f(utitied  place." 

Found,  discovered.    (Compare  See.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Nee,  to,  and  then  carry  the  right  hand  (Q) 
in  front  of  body  toward  the  ground  and  back  to  body,  as  though  having 
])icked  something  up.     {Dakota  I.)     "Seeing  and  picking  up  anything." 

Hring  the  left  hand  opposite  the  breast  a  foot  or  so  away,  lingers 
closed  and  slightly  bent,  i)alm  downward  as  if  it  were  concealing  some- 
15 


w 


i! 


Ill 


I'-  t 


114 

tliiii);;  briiij;  tlic  rijjlit  liniid  over  it,  liaiid  in  tlu*  i)()siti(>ii  of  bciiif^  juHf 
rciui.v  to  ])i('l<  soiiiot)iiii(i:  up  with  tiic  tiii;;crs;  tiicii  pii.ss  tlir  ri^rlit  liiiiid 
over  tiie  left,  tiic  liitt«>r  nMiiaiiiiiiK  still,  mid  biiii;;  the  tlii^ci-s  of  the  i'i;;lit 
liaiid  to^ictlicr  as  ifyoii  had  picki'd  i\\)  scMiu'tliiii},'.     (Couxtnchr  I.) 

Jh'a/i)iiite  niitiirnl  h'kjiih. — Toiicii  thcryclid,  tlicii  bond  your  body,  and, 
having  ])oint(>d  at  the  Ki'<»>i>d  with  yonr  iiand.  clini;!!  it  and  brin^'  it  np 
and  dis(!l()so  it  to  tiiC!  oye.     (Cnmii.) 

Lower  the  open  hand  toward  the  ground,  aiid  thiMi  raise  it  Hliut  np  um 
if  to  indi(;at('  that  sctniethinfj  i.s  picked  np.     [IIuwuHlub.) 

F«wl.     See  Bird. 

l<Vsi<*tioii. 

Indicate  with  the  forclin^^er  of  the  right  liand  the  equivalent  length  of 
the  left  foretlnger.     (Araptiho  I.) 

i'rerxin^'.     (Conii)are  Frowl.) 

Make  a  (flosing  movement,  as  if  of  the  darkness,  by  bringing  togetlier 
l»()th  liands  with  the  dorsa  njnvard  and  tlie  fingers  to  the  fore;  tlie 
motion  is  from  right  to  left,  and  at  the  end  the  two  indices  are  alongside 
and  close  to  each  other,     (liurton.) 

No  sign  se|tarate  from  C^old,  It  in;  lee;  or  i^i'OMt,  which  denote 
different  degrees  of  cold.     (Pahotii  I.) 

Bea/muiv  uaiural  «(V/«.v.— Shndder  from  head  to  foot;  then  set  in  mo- 
tion yonr  feet  after  the  manner  of  skating,  and  then  move  the  hand 
about  horizontally.     (Crosn.) 

liaise  the  arms  toward  the  breast  and  shake  the  fists,  and  then  move 
the  outstretched  hands  in  a  horizontal  line.     (Larmn.) 

Friend.     (Compare  $!»aliitation.) 

(1)  Tips  of  the  two  first  lingers  of  the  rigiit  haiul  placed  against  or  at 
right  angles  to  the  month ;  (2)  suddenly  elevated  upward  and  outward 
to  imitate  smoke  expelled.     {Cheyenne  1.)     "We  two  smoke  together." 

Hold  the  extended  left  hand  before  ♦ihe  body,  and  grasp  it  with  tlie 
right,     (»%<',  Fo.v,  and  Kiclapoo  1.) 

Point  forward  and  a  little  upward  with  the  Joined  and  extended  fore 
and  middle  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  which  is  to  be  placed  a  foot  or  so 
in  fi'ont  of  the  right  breast,  the  little  and  ring  fingers  closed,  thnnd)  on 
middle  .joint  of  ring  linger ;  move  the  hand  upward  to  the  right  side  of  the 
face,  then  straigiit  forward  about  eight  inches,  and  then  a  little  upward. 
Or  hook  the  bent  right  index,  palm  downward,  over  the  bent  left  index, 
palm  upward,  the  hands  to  be  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  body.  This 
last  they  call  a  Mexican  sign.     (Dakota  IV.) 


i^: 


lift 

lOxtt'iid  the  ri^lit   liaiid  as  if  rcsicliiiiK'  to  .sliiiko  liaii> 
Arilittni  I.) 


{Hit! (I tan  I  ; 


Tlio  h'ft  iiiwl  i'i)j;lit  liarxls  arc  liioiiKlit  to  tlif  (M'litt'i'  of«!liost  oju'ii,  tlicii 
cxtciitU'd,  and  tlic  U>t't  hand,  with  palm  up,  is  ^rnispcd  (•rosNwisc  by  ri};lit 
liand  with  paltii  down,  and  JM'ltl  tluis  s(>v(>ral  seconds.  Tiic  liands  arc 
tlicn  in  doni)lc  ])osition  (V  1),  ri^lit  inverted.  Hands  are  now  un- 
chisped,  and  ri;;lit  list  is  la-id  in  let't  axilla,  b,v  which  it  is  tirnil.v  };raspcd. 
(Oto  I.)     "One  wl 1  1  will  not  let  >,m>." 

Hrin^;  both  hands  to;;ether  in  a  full  clasp  of  all  the  lingers,  alter  the 
ordinary  manner  of  handshaking.     ((Joiuanclie  I.) 

Extraordinary. 


Uring  the  two  hands  near  each  other  in  front,  and  (ilasp  the  two  index- 
tingers  tightly,  so  that  the  tips  of  the  linger  and  thumb  of  each  touch. 
(Comanche  1.)  , 

Clasp  the  two  hands  after  the  manner  of  our  congratulations.  {Wich- 
ita 1.) 

Friendly;  I'riendshi)). 

Kais«'  both  hands,  grasped,  as  if  in  the  act  of  shaking  hands,  or  hx^k 
the  two  foretingers  together  while  the  hands  are  raised.  This  sign  given 
by  parties  meeting  one  another  to  ascertain  Litentions.  For  more  gen- 
eral idea  of  friendshij)  clasp  the  left  with  the  right,     (liurton.) 

Hands  (rlasped  in  front  of  body,  i)alin  of  let't  up,  j»alni  of  right  resting 
in  that  of  left,  hands  shaken  up  or  down  one  or  more  times.  {Chey- 
»nne  I.) 

Pantomimic  grasping  or  shaking  of  the  band,  or  a  pantomimic  em- 
brace.    {Arapaho  1.) 

The  left  hand  held  horizontal,  i)alm  inward,  lingers  and  thumb  ex- 
tended and  pointing  toward  the  right  about  a  foot  and  a  half  fr«>n)  and 
in  front  of  breast,  is  clasjted  by  the  right,  carried  u])  in  front  of  body 
and  out  from  breast,  thumb  and  lingers  pointing  downward  and  drawn 
directly  into  the  b(vl,y.     {Dal;ota  I.)     "  (irasidng  the  hand  of  a  friend." 

Our  deaf-mutes  interlock  the  I'orelingers  fiu*  "friendshii)."  clasp  the 
bands,  right  U|)permost,  for  "marriage,"  and  make  the  last  sign,  re- 
peated with  the  left  baud  u])])eriuost,  for  "i)eace."  The  idea  of  iinion 
or  linking  is  obvious. 

FroMt.    (Compare  Freezing*  and  Nnow.) 

Begin  with  the  sign  of  lil^'ater,  then  with  the  sign  of  H^i^^iit  or 
DariineM!«,  then  the  sign  of  Cold,  then  the  sign  of  Wiiite,  and, 
lastly,  the  Eartil.     {Dunbar.) 


■■}':. 


'".Slit 

m 


»1 


i 


116 

First  iiiiiki'  Mi(>  si<;ii  for  liirnMM,  iiiid  IIkmi  tlit>  ri<;li;.  Iiiiiid  (W)  is 
iiiavcd  iis  tiioii^li  Wiiviiij;'  it  over  lli«'  yrass,  (Ihilcota  I.)  "A  covoriiiy 
of  lilt'  {^niss." 

FrilillCMM ;  in  tiiiii. 

Tiic  Ici'l  iiriii  is  liroii^iit  forwanl,  litiiiil  as  in  '  1^  1),  inotliliiMl  hy  lliuinh 
boiiifi'  closed.  Tlie  ri;;iit  liaiid  tiieii  tulies  posiiioii  (W  I),  iiioditled  by  he- 
iti;i  held  liori/.itiitai.  Now  tlie  lefl  iiid<>\,  extended  as  above,  pnnelies 
tlieri^lit  |)aini,  an*l  is  iIumi  s\vei»t  baeivward  and  «i»»\vii\vaitl  by  left  side. 
(Oto  I.) 

I'Hill,  as  a  box  or  sack. 

Uijflit  and  left  hands  (%%',  with  tinjjt'rs  slif^htly  beni)  are  bronj^lit 
tofi'ether  in  fnni!  of  body,  ends  of  llnjicrs  point in^i  outward,  then  earry 
the  rif-ht  iiand  (iniekly  over  the  ba«'k  of  tln^  left,  and  baek  as  thou^jh 
brnshin]:;dtf  the  surplus.  {IhikoUt  I.)  "It  is  full;  brushing' oil' the  sur- 
plus." 

Ih'tif  iiiiilc  iKiliind  sii/iis. — riaee  tht>  hand  down,  and  raisiiif>'  it,  and 
niovin(>'  it  rifilit  and  left  as  if  at  tht>  top  of  the  sack  or  box,     {liiilhuuL) 

Clinch  y«)nr  hand  in  the  form  of  the  letter  t\  and  over  (he  suppostMl 
convex  surf !ce  above  it  pass  the  other  iiand  somewhat  clinched  also. 
{(JroKs.) 

The  same  as  ■•j|io<IK°h>     (I'lirsoii.) 

.\ppetit«' satistle«l.     (Compare    l<iiioilK'll>) 


I'-injijer  and  thinub  rising  from  the  mouth.     (.l/firv/oHviH.) 

Make  the  si;^n  for  l<iiil,aiid  when  com|deted  and  hand  brou^xhf  bet'ore 
abdomen,  as  in  type(T  l)modilled  by  bi'in;;  held  hoii/iuilal  and  arched 
wit'i  baek  outward,  it  then  describes  an  arc  over  abdomen  as  to  indi- 
cate fullness.     (Olo  I.)     "  Kille<l  up;  distended." 

INIiike  the  si^'u  of  ICnl,  then  close  tln^  ri^ht  hand,  spriMdin;;  tlnnn- 
de\  and  thundt  wide  apart,  palm  toward  the  body,  then  pass  it  from  the 
breast  upward  to  before  the  month.  {Ihikotn  Vll;  Kttioira  I;  Vomanchr 
111;   AiMch,'  II;    Wicliila  II.) 

I''iiliii'4>,  lo  conic  (in  tiuu>). 

K'i^i'ht  index  upri;;ht  (,l,  ext^ept  bat-k  of  han«l  toward  tht>  body)  is 
l»nslied  straifi'ht  forwaid,  outward,  from  the  shoulder  and  drawn  bax^k 
three  or  four  times,  arm  extended  to  its  full  ca]>acity.  SeiMus  to  Ix^  vou- 
ne<'ted  with  |''ar.     (Ihihtda  I.)     "  Far  in  time." 

Iiiiip;  rniloii. 

Indicate  (he  walls  thereot  with  (he  hands,  in  front  of  the  body,  palms 
toward  each  other,  lin};(>rs  extended  and  |)ointed  downward.  (,l>vr- 
paho  I.) 


m-4 


117 


'M 


Both  liiiii«ls(>ijr|ito(Mi  iiK^lH's  in  front  «)ftli(>  bivast,  sopiirntrd  iibont  six 
inclirs,  tino'ors  antl  tlininhs  pointing;  npri^lit,  with  tii«>  piilnis  t'iifin^ '>!ivli 
otluT  yS,  witli  t'(lfi(>  of  hands  outward)  thns  (II);  draw  tho  ri^'ht  Inuid 
inward  abont  a  loot,  turn  it  so  tiial  tlic  palm  is  d(»winvard,  Hat,  tln^t'rs 
joined,  pointing  str.ii^lit  ont  ward.  !>n<i  tiu'n  piisli  t lie  hand  forward  so 
that  it  wonhl  \io  tiiron^li  tho  niiddl(>  of  th«>  spaf(>  forin<>*i  l),v  tht>  iiands 
in  th(>  lirst  position  (|).  Ot'tvn  nnido  witli  lh«'  lingers  cnrvt'd.  {Ihihitu 
I.)     "Si(hvs  of  a  canon  or  ravin»>;  passin;;  thron^ii  a  canon." 

4.i«*if. 

ISrin;>'  the  tlnj^crs  and  thnnd)  of  tlu'  left  han<l  to;>'«>tlH>r  as  if  something 
was  held  It.v  them,  ami  then  approach  the  ri^^ht  hand  and  make  tlie 
motion  of  cnttin^'  across  what  is  snp])osed  '.o  l»e  held  in  the  left  hand, 
and  then  draw  olVth(>  ri^ht  hand  as  if  pidlin^'  away  what  has  be*Mi  «'nt. 
( l>tinli(ir.) 

liiciioroiiM. 

Mold  both  hantls  open,  the  |)alms  above  and  held  in  front  of  bn>asts 
or  body,  tlnMi  present   toward  tin'  other  party  an  optMi  smilinjj  conn 
tonanc(>.     [Ojihira  IV.) 

Tiu' si^'ii  for  <iJ04Ml  lloiii'l  or  Uiu;  llrarl  is  ma<le.     [Ihikota  I.) 

Si^ii  for  ll(>:id,  ll<'alli,  and  then  the  si^^n  for  iTIail.  (Ihilxola  I.) 
"I>ead  nnin  from  the  spirit  land." 

Index  point in}i' to  tin'  cent»'r  of  tin*  left  hami  forelliifier  (whicli  imli 
cates  the  hainlle  or  borinj^-  part).  Then  the  screw  motion  with  the  rij;lit 
hand  conveys  the  id»'a  clearly,     (/tii'ii  I.) 

iilw  UK',  or  llriiiK  to  iii<*. 

Tin'  hand  half  shnt  with  the  thnmb  pressinfj  afjainsi  the  forelin<;er, 
bein^' lirst  nnxlerately  ext<'nded  cither  to  the  riyiit  «m' left,  is  bronj;ht 
wilh  a  moderate  Jerk  to  the  opposite  side,  as  if  somclhinjn'  was  pulled 
al«)n;i'  by  the  hand,  i'onsetpienlly  tin'  sij^n  of  water  preceding-  this 
sijjn  would  convey  the  expression,  "(iive  me  waier."     (Ihailxir.) 

'i'he  Imnd  exicmh'd  in  a  pointinu   position    toward   thi>  object  in  re 
qu<'st,  then  br<niuht  toward  tiie  body  with  the  tinjjrers  raised  vertically, 
and  laid  a}>'ainst  the  breast.     {Lontj.) 

Object  wished  tor  pointed  to,  the  ri^ht  hand  be.n;;  held  as  in  si^jii  for 
lll*illjU;°;  brought  with  two  or  three  ,i«'rky  nntt ions  toward  the  face  or 
breast  of  the  speaker.     ((Viryeiuw  1.) 

Placo  tin'  right  Inmd  nearly  at  arm's  length  before  the  breast,  pulin 
np,  ami  nnike  a  slnu't  ostMllating  nn)tiou  to  and  fro.  (Alisiiroko  I;  Sho- 
shoni  ami  liaiiak  I.) 


w:^ 


m 


H 


118 

Aftoi"  placing  tlie  right  liaiul  about  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the 
neck,  and  turning  it  so  that  the  palm  will  be  outward  and  the  little 
linger  toward  the  neck,  fingers  overlapping  and  upright,  thumb  in  the 
palm,  move  the  hand  toward  the  neck.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Bring,  to. 


Left  hand  extended  ten  or  twelve  incites  in  front  of  the  left  breast 
(P  1,  palm  upward);  right  hand  (P),  extended  in  front  of  right  breast, 
arms  full  extent,  is  moved  over  the  left  as  though  carrying  something  to 
the  left  hand  with  the  right.     ( Dakota  I.) 

Bring  to  me. 


Continue  the  sign  lor  To  Bring'  by  bringing  the  hands  close  to  the 
left  breast.     (Dakota  I.)     "  Bring  and  give  to  me." 

I'oint  to  or  otherwise  indicate  the  person  directed  and  the  object  or 
article  desired,  and  imply  approach  by  beckoning.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sipus. — Extend  the  open  hand  and  draw  it  back  as 
if  conveying  something  to  one's  self.     (Ballard.) 

Stretch  out  tlu;  forefinger  and  then  move  it  toward  the  breast.  (Larson.) 

Close  the  hand  and  move  it  to  one's  self.     (Ballard.) 

Give  to  me  or  us. 


The  right  hand  extended  in  front  of  body  (Q)  as  though  taking  hold 
of  anything,  and  then  brought  back  to  body  with  fingers  pointing  up- 
ward as  though  holding  the  article  in  it  (P).  (Dakota  I.)  "  Taking  the 
article  from  the  donor." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sU/n. — Close  the  hand  except  its  forefinger,  with  it 
point  to  something,  and  then  move  it  toward  the  breast.     (Hasenstab.) 


Give  to  him  or  another. 

Keverse  liri ve  to  llie — handing  the  article  to  the  person.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  I  give  it  to  you." 

The  right  arm  is  semi-extended,  also  the  hand  (as  in  type-position  Y 
1,  modified  by  middle,  ring,  and  index  fingers  being  more  collected  or 
dosed) ;  arm  ami  hand  thus  point  to  object.  Both  are  then  brought 
toward  the  body,  the  index  becoming  more  hooked  as  hand  approaches, 
and  finally  its  end  concludes  the  arc  of  approach  by  touching  center  of 
breast.     (Oto  l.)     "  Evident  in  sign." 

I  will  jiive. 


First  make  the  sign  lor  I,  personal  pronoun,  and  then  the  sign  for 
Crive,  as  contained  in  (irive,  as  Ui\e  to  hint.  (Dakota  l.)  "1 
hand  it  to  you ;  I  give  it  to  you." 


w 


119 

Hand  held  in  position  for  "give  me,"  near  to  tlie  eliin  or  breast,  ex- 
tended (jnickly  toward  ilie  person  addressed.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

From  an  npriglit  position  in  front  of  the  chin,  palm  tnrned  toward 
the  right  hand ;  throw  the  right  hand  forward  eighteen  inches,  or  until 
the  ends  of  the  fingers  point  obliquely  forward  and  upward.  {Dakota 
IV.) 

Denf-mnte  natural  signs. — Point  to  the  bosom,  meaning  the  s])eaker, 
stretch  the  closed  hand  and  then  open  it.     {Ballard.) 

First  iK)int  to  your  breast  with  your  finger,  then  move  forward  the 
hand  clinched,  and  set  free  the  fist.     {Cross.) 

Italian  siffn, — The  motion  that  one  is  willing  to  give  something,  and 
which  may  be  (jailed  the  bribing  gesture,  is  to  put  one  hand  into  the 
moncj'  pocket.     {Butler.) 

Iiiirl.    See  €liil(l.    (Comi)are  l¥oiiiaii.) 

Glad;  content;  pleaded;  NatiMfied.    (('<)m])are  4iiood.) 

With  the  raised  right  hand  pass  with  a  seri)entin('  movement  upward 
from  the  breast  and  face  above  the  head.  ( Wied.)  Heart  beats  high. 
Hosom's  lord  sits  lightly  on  its  throne. 

Wave  the  ojjcn  hand  (Uitward  from  the  breast  to  exju'ess  "good  heart." 
{Burton.) 

The  sign  for  Pretty,  not  made  in  immediate  juxtaposition  to  the  face 
or  any  jyart  of  the  body,  is  significant  generally  of  content,  satisfaction, 
complaisance,  etc.,  expressed  by  the  Indian  phrase  Good,  or  ft  is  (jood. 
{Arapaho  I.) 

Strike  the  chest  over  the  heart  lightly  two  (U"  three  times  with  the 
palm  of  the  right  hand;  then  make  the  sign  for  good.  {Dakota  IV.) 
"Heart  good." 

The  right  hand,  extended  horizontally,  palm  downward,  is  held  iu 
front  of  and  near  or  touching  the  throat,  and  is  then  moved  forward  a 
few  inches.  Tiiis  denotes  a  comfortable  feeling  of  fullness  or  satisfac- 
tion; but  to  indicate  the  more  intense  feelings  of  being  cloyed  or  glut- 
ted the  hand  may  be  held  at  the  (thin  or  at  the  mouth,  tlie  sign  being 
otherwise  unchanged.  These  signs  may  be  used  to  denote  satietji  from 
other  causes  besides  eating  and  drinking.     {Maiulan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

.  With  the  right  hand  (S)  ta])  the  left  breast  several  times,  and  then 
carry  the  hand  forward  and  toward  the  right,  with  palm  downward  (W), 
Content,  glad,  good,  happy,  satisfied,  are  all  expressed  by  this  sign. 
{Dakota  I.)     "The  heart  feels  good." 


-B 


■  '4-. 


H'. 


1  i 


120 

Make  an  inclination  of  the  body  forward,  niovinjj  at  the  same  time 
both  hands  forward  from  the  breast,  open,  with  the  pabn  upward,  and 
fjradually  lowering  them.     {Iroquois  I.)     "I  give  you  thanks." 

Extend  both  hands  outward,  palms  turned  down,  and  make  a  sign 
exactly  similar  to  the  way  ladies  smooth  a  bed  in  making  it.  (  WichiUt  I.) 
Smooth  and  easy. 

Left  hand  arched,  the  tliumb  and  forefinger  meeting  at  their  tips, 
forming  a  circle,  is  held  in  front  of  the  left  breast,  horizontal  back  of 
hand  upward,  thumb  and  forefinger  toward  the  body;  then  the  right 
index  is  brought  up  close  to  the  body  in  front  and  ])assed  forward  from 
the  breast,  describing  a  series  of  circles  to  the  center  of  the  circle  formed 
by  the  left  hand,  but  not  placed  within  it.  Daylight  is  included  in  this. 
(I)nlota  I.)  "From  the  same  rays  of  light  i)assing  through  a  pane  of 
glass  into  the  house." 

fwllltfoii;   Parasite. 
Italian  xiffn. — Pinch  the  cheek  with  the  linger.     {Bufler.) 

tio;  jt'oaway;  fle|iai*t;  leave  here. 

Tiie  back  of  the  liaiid  stretched  out  and  ui>ward.     {Jhinbar.) 

Like  Coupe  ( Wicd),  but  begin  near  the  face  and  extend  the  hands 
with  a  lunnber  of  gentle  Jerks.  (  Wicd.)  The  sanui  remarks  apply  to 
this  sign  as  to  that  for  Coilie.  {Mattheics.)  Tlie  right  arm  is  bent 
and  the  hand  in  position  (B  1)  horizontal  is  brouglit  to  the  epigastrium 
and  suddenly  arm  and  hand  are  extended.  Tlie  identity  of  the  concep- 
tion of  this  (Ho  sign  and  Wicd^s  is  evident.  The  movement  of  extension 
in  the  latter  des(!ription  "by  Jerks'  has  little  relevancy,  and  may  be 
reasonably  explained  by  the  caprice  of  the  subject.     {Botcler.) 

Move  both  haiuls  edgeways  (the  palms  fronting  the  breast)  toward 
the  left,  with  a  rocking-lnu'se  motion.     (Burton.) 

Kight  hand  held  toward  left  shoulder  forearm  across  the  breast, 
fingers  and  thumb  extended,  palm  upward  and  inward;  brought  with 
elbow  for  a  pivot  suddenly  to  the  right.     (Cheyenne  L) 

The  right  liand  is  carried  to  the  left  side  of  the  body,  level  of  the 
breast,  horizontal,  i)alm  outward,  thumb  Itelow  (W  1),  extended  fingers 
jiointing  toward  the  left;  carry  the  arm  out  to  full  extent  in  front  of 
body  and  to  the  right.  This  is  emphatic.  "Dismissing  the  person." 
Many  Indians  make  the  sign  for  fio,  Ho  away,  by  using  the  iiulex 
Jield  ui)war<l,  the  rest  of  the  fingers  being  closed  ami  carrying  from  left 
to  right  or  directly  out  in  front  of  body,  but  this  is  not  near  so  emphatic 
as  the  above.    €irO,  in  the  sense  of  (wone,  Departeil,  would  be  de- 


121 

noted  i)referably  by  nsiiifj  the  latter  sij;ii  and  by  stoi)pinj>'  the  motion  of 
the  liand  several  times  in  carryinj^  it  out  to  its  final  extended  position,  in 
leseniblance  of  the  walking  away  of  the  person.  {Dtikota  I.)  "lie  has 
walked  away." 

The  opened  riyht  hand  beiiiR'  advanced  about  a  foot  and  at  the  height 
of  the  navel,  palm  toward  the  left  lingers  separated  a  little,  hand  bent 
at  the  wrist  and  pointing  downward  and  forward,  move  it  straight 
ahead  about  a  foot,  and  at  the  same  time  raise  the  ends  of  the  fingers 
until  the  hand  is  horizontal.     {Dakota  W.) 

This  is  indicated  by  a  motion  the  reverse  of  Come,  and  when  the 
sign  is  completed  the  hand  stands  as  in  the  beginning  of  the  former 
gesture.     {Mandan  and  lUdatm  1.) 

IMace  the  closed  haiul,  knuckles  upward,  before  the  breast;  elevate 
the  index  and  pass  the  hand  slowly,  in  a  jerking  or  interrupted  move- 
ment toward  i\w  front  and  left,  palm  facing  the  front.  {Kaiotcn  I;  Co- 
manche III;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

With  the  index  only  extended,  point  to  the  earth  and  trace  a  course 
along  the  earth  toward  and  above  the  horizon.     {Apache  I.) 

Go  away. 

Place  the  open  left  hand  twelve  inches  or  so  in  front  of  the  lower  i)art 
of  the  chest,  pointing  forward  toward  the  riglit,  palm  looking  oblicjuely 
upward  and  backward;  then  (piickly  i)ass  the  i)alin  of  the  light  hand 
forward  and  upward  across  tliat  of  the  left  and  beyond  it  about  a  foot. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

I'he  hand,  with  the  palm  facing  downward  and  backward,  is  held  close 
to  the  body  and  about  on  a  level  with  tiie  stomach ;  it  is  moved  upward 
to  a  level  with  the  top  of  the  head,  a  foot  or  so  in  front  of  it,  describing 
an  arc  whose  convexity  is  forward.     {M((ndan  and  Hidatm  I.) 

The  right  hand  is  closed  as  in  type-position  (O),  and  arm  semiHc^xed, 
bringing  hand  to  (lenter  of  body.  The  arm  is  now  siuldenly  extended 
to  full  length  and  hand  expaiuled  in  the  movement.  {Oto  I.)  "To  re- 
move from." 

The  right  arm  is  flexed,  and  the  hand,  in  positi(m  (O  1),  more  horizon- 
tal, is  brought  to  the  epigastrium.  The  arm  is  then  suddeidy  ext«Mided, 
hand  likewise,  with  the  index  finger  pointing  directly  from  the  body. 
Accompanying  this  sign  there  is  generally  a  repulsive  or  forbidding- 
frown  assumed  by  the  countenance  when  one  is  ordered  to  depart  from 
disi)leasure.  To  go  on  a  mexsaffe,  the  countenance  assunu's  a  sn)ile,  but 
sign  is  identical  and  is  combined  with  sign  for  Speak.  {Oto  and  Mis- 
souri I.)  "  To  withdraw  or  move  from." 
16 


.■?;'.1 


> 


i  .i 


'i,! 


I  t 


■fs  ,     1- 


122 

riace  tlie  riglit  liand  at  tlio  heifylit  of  and  in  front  of  the  abdomen, 
])ointing  ui)ward,  palm  outward,  fingers  sliphtly  Hei)arated  and  bent; 
then  move  the  hand  cii"  toward  the  left.     (Fai-  Ute  I.) 

Throw  the  ri}>lit  hand  over  the  right  shoulder  so  that  the  iudex  points 
backward.     (Wichita  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  siyns. — A  slight  movement  of  the  feet  on  the  floor 
and  moving  the  hand  forward.     (Ballard.) 

Open  the  hand  and  move  up,  and  at  the  same  time  point  it  forward. 
(Hasenstah.) 

Close  the  hand,  excejit  its  forefinger,  and  move  it  forward,  i)ointing  in 
the  direction  you  wish  the  person  to  go.     (Hanenstah.) 

Move  the  hand  forward  and  forward.     (Larson.) 

To  a  iilacc,  to  go. 

Make  the  sign  for  C^o,  and  when  the  hand  is  near  at  arms'  length  ex- 
tend the  left  and  jdace  it  horizontally  before  the  moving  right  so  that 
they  come  together  audibly.  (Kaioical^  VomanehelW;  Apache  \\;  117- 
chita  II.) 


i^l  ' 


% 


1 


(woat. 

l*ass  both  hands,  with  the  tijjs  of  the  finger  and  thumbs  brought  to  a 
point,  in  a  curve  backward  ami  downward  from  the  ears  in  the  direction 
of  the  horns,  then  jdace  both  hands  at  the  lower  part  of  the  abdonu?n, 
palms  about  3  inches  apart  and  facing,  with  fingers  sejjarated  and  curved 
so  that  the  tips  touch.    (Apache  1.)    "Curved  horns  and  large  testicles." 

GoiiigTv  traveling:,  Journey. 

To  describe  a  journey  on  horseback  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  are  placed  astride  of  the  forefinger  of  the  left  Land,  and  both  rep- 
resent the  galloping  movement  of  a  horse.  If  it  is  a  foot  journey  wave 
the  two  fingers  several  times  through  the  air.     (Ojibica  I.) 

The  kind  of  loconu>tion  nuiy  be  indicated,  as  on  horseback,  &c.,  after 
that  pantomimic,  the  arms  and  hands  being  nmde  to  represent  the  legs 
and  feet.    (Arapaho  I.) 

Touch  the  nose  with  the  right  index  for  I,  then  make  the  sign  for 
Cio.    (Dakota  \\.) 

Touch  the  heart  with  the  right  index,  and  then  with  a  wave  of  the 
hand  outward,  point  in  the  direction  to  which  you  intend  to  go.  (Iro- 
quois I.) 

Strike  the  palms  of  both  hands  together  obliquely  and  gliding  past 
one  another.     (Zuni  I.) 


m 


'.vVl 


123 

Place  the  liiiiids  tliiuiib  to  tliiiiiib,  palms  foiwanl,  tiii};eivs  exteiuled, 
sei)ai'ate(l,  and  pointiiifj  upward,  then  move  them  from  above  the  lij^ht 
hip  forward  and  toward  the  left.    (Pni-l'tc  1.) 

Deufnmte  natural  sign. — No  general  sij>n,  but  for  ridiny,  whether  on 
horsebaek  or  on  wheels,  the  si^;ii  was  made  by  bendiny  the  arms  and 
raisin}''  and  dei)ressin}>  the  elbows  in  imitation  of  a  man  ridinjn'  on 
horseback,  and  movinj;'  the  hand  horizontally  forward  to  siyiiily  aicay. 
{Ballard.) 

Kunnin^i^. 

Hold  the  hand  in  the  same  position  as  "Walking',  ai»'',  with  the  fore- 
tinjj;er  exteiuled  forward,  advance  the  hand,  keepinjj:  the  closed  portion 
underneath,  ami  turninj;  it  sli}::iitly  aiul  rapidly  to  rij^ht  ami  left  by  a 
quick  motion  of  the  wrist.     {Iroquois  I.) 

Travelinf>' ;  marching'. 

The  hand  held  vertically  as  high  as  the  iR'(!k,  with  slightly  divided 
lingers,  and  rocked  edgewise  forward  and  backward  u])on  the  wrist, 
extending  the  arm  a  little  forward.  This  sign  resend)les  that  for  4{iieJi- 
tioil,  but  differs  in  tiie  direction  of  tlie  motion  of  the  haiul.     {Lony.) 

Hands  placed  in  the  i)osition  for  n»akingthe  sign  for  Datlle,excei>t 
that  they  are  further  sei)arated,  and  tlien  describe  a  series  of  half  circles 
or  forward  arch  like  nmvements  with  both  haiuls.  {Dakota  I.)  "Per- 
son walking." 

Hand  on  edge,  extended,  tips  forward,  palm  in  (T  on  edge,  forward); 
wave  it  vertically  and  forward.  Both  hands  used,  indicate  two  i)arties, 
especially  the  double  column  in  which  troops  always  march.  {A2>ache 
III.)     "Ambulant,  forward  motion." 

Walking. 


!-^ 


Close  the  haml  except  the  index  linger,  and  with  that  extended,  at  the 
height  of  the  breast,  umve  the  hand  forward,  bringing  it  down  a  little, 
at  regular  intervals,  to  imitate  the  steady  nu)vement  of  a  walker.  {Iro- 
quois I.) 

Gone  under,  diMappeared  IVoni  %'ieir. 

Left  hand  flattened  and  held  ba(!k  upward,  thumb  inward,  in  front  of 
and  a  few  inches  from  the  breast,  right  hand  slightly  clasped,  forefinger 
more  extended  than  the  others,  and  passed  suddenly  under  the  left  haml, 
the  latter  being  at  the  same  time  gently  moved  toward  the  breast.  The 
idea  here  is  that  the  person  has  gone  under  a  covering  of  some  kind,  as 
a  table,  tent,  blanket,  &c.,  or  gone  under  the  water,  i.  e.,  disappearance 
from  view,  not  used  in  the  sense  of  dead,  death,  or  permanent  disap- 
pearance.    {Dakota  I.) 

All;  no  more.    See  Destroyed. 


I    , 


if!  I. 


■i  I 


\  ■ ' 


fl 


124 

C^onorrhwa. 

Close  tlic,  I'if-ht  liaiitl,  allowiiif;  tlio,  index  to  remain  lialfe.Iosed,  jmint- 
iiip  downward  ;  liold  the  hand  at  the  heij;ht  of  tlie  liip,  eitlier  at  the 
Hide  or  in  front,  making  qni<!k  downward  niovenientu  extendinf;'  an  incli 
or  two.  {Ahsaroka  1 ;  Slioshonl  and  lianuh  I.)  "Fhiccid  K'hi'is  penis  and 
droppiiifi  of  {••onorrh(eal  discharj;e." 

fwOOfl.    (Compare  Crlatl  and  Ye«.) 

Tlie  hand  hehl  liorizontally,  back  ui)ward,  describes  with  the  arm  a 
horizontal  curve  outward.  [Long.)  Tiiis  is  like  our  motion  of  benedic- 
tion, but  may  more  sugftestively  be  comi)ared  with  several  of  the  sijjns 
forlfeM,  and  in  op]K>siti(>n  to  several  of  those  for  Bad  and  iVo,  show- 
ing the  idea  of  a(!cei)tan('e  or  selection  of  objects  presented,  instead  of 
tlieir  rejection. 

riace  tlu',  ri{>ht  hand  horizontally  in  front  of  the  breast  and  move  it 
forward.  (  Wied.)  Tliis  description  is  essentially  the  same  as  tlu'  one  1 
furnished.  (Maiidan  and  lliilatsa  I.)  I  stated,  liosvever  that  the  hand 
was  moved  outward  (/.  c,  to  the  ri};ht).  I  do  not  remember  seeinj;'  it 
moved  directly  forward.  In  nnikin};'  the  motion  as  I  have  described  it 
the  hand  would  hav«'  to  ;;o  both  outward  and  forward,  (Matthcim.) 
The  left  arm  is^  elevated  ai.d  the  hand  held  in  ])osition  (W).  The  arm 
and  hand  are  thus  extended  from  the  body  (ui  a  level  with  the  chest; 
the  elbow  lu'in}>'  sli<i,htly  bent,  the  arm  resembles  a  bent  bow.  The  rijjht 
arm  is  bent  and  the  riyht  hand  in  position  (W),  sweeps  smoothly  over 
the  left  arui  from  the  biceps  nuis(;le  over  the  emls  of  the  finders.  This 
si}>'n  and  WiefVn  are  notic^'ably  similar.  The  dilference  is,  tlie  Oto  sign 
uses  tlie  left  arm  in  con.juuction  and  both,  mon  to  the  left.  The  concep- 
tion is  o<  somc^thing  that  easily  passes;  smoothness,  evenness,  etc.,  in 
both,     {lioteler.) 

Wave  the  hand  from  the  mouth,  extending  the  thumb  from  the  index 
and  closing  the  other  three  tingers.  This  sign  also  means  I  know. 
(liinton.) 

(1)  Right-hand  tingers  pointing  to  the  left  placed  on  a  level  with 
mouth,  thund)  inward ;  (2)  suddeidy  mo\ed  with  curve  outward  so  as 
to  present  palm  to  person  addiessed.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

Pass  the  openeil  right  hand,  palm  downward,  through  an  arc  of  about 
90°  from  tlie  heart,  24  inches  horizontally  forward  and  to  the  right. 
(Dakota  IV.)     "  Heart  easy  or  smooth." 

IMace  the  flat  right  hand,  palm  down,  thumb  touching  the  breast,  then 
move  it  forward  and  slightly  upward  and  to  the  right.  {Dakota  VI, 
VII;  Kaiowal;  Comanche  HI;  A2)ache  11 ;   Wichita  il.) 

Pass  the  Hat  hand,  palm  down,  froiu  the  breast  forward  and  in  a  sMght 
curve  to  tlu^  right.     {Dakota  VI;  Hidatsa  I ;  Arikara  I.) 


125 

The  extended  lifjht  hand,  palm  downward,  tliniiil)  backward,  lingers 
pointing  to  tlie  left,  is  held  nearly  or  (|nite  in  (H)ntaet  with  the  body 
altont  on  a  level  with  the  stomach ;  it  is  then  carried  outward  to  the 
riglit  a  toot  or  two  with  a  rapid  sweep,  in  w]ii<'h  thc^  forearm  is  moved 
but  not  necessarily  the  hinnerus.     (Maiulan  and  Ilitlafm  I.) 

JSIove  right  hand,  palm  down,  over  the  blanket,  right  and  left,  several 
times.     (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Hit  the  blanket,  first  on  the  right,  then  on  the  left,  palm 
down,  several  times.     (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Point  at  the  obje<!t  with  the  right  forefinger,  shaking  it  a 
little  np  and  <lown,  the  otlier  tingers  being  closed.     (Omalta  1.) 

Another:  Same  as  preceding,  but  with  tlie  hand  open,  the  thumb 
crooked  un<lerand  touching  the  forefinger;  hand  lield  at  an  angle  of  45° 
while  siiakinga  little  back  and  forth.     (Omalia  I.) 

Another:  Hold  the  closed  hands  together,  thumbs  up;  se',)arate  by 
turning  the  wrists  down,  and  move  tiie  fists  a  little  ajtart;  then  reverse 
movements  till  back  to  first  position.     (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Hold  the  left  hand  with  back  toward  the  ground,  fingers 
and  tluunb  apart,  and  curved.  Hold  the  right  hand  opjtosite  it,  jtalm 
down;  hands  about  six  inches  apart.  Shake  the  hands  held  thus,  up 
and  down,  keeping  them  the  same  distance  apart.     (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Hold  the  hands  with  the  ]>alms  in,  thumbs  uj),  move  hands 
right  and  left,  keeping  them  about  six  inches  ai>art.     (Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Look  at  the  right  hand,  first  on  tlie  back,  then  on  the  palm, 
then  on  the  back  again.     (Omaha  I.) 

The  above  eight  signs  were  all  taken  from  one  Omaha,  who  stated 
that  they  all  gave  the  idea  of  the  word  uda",  liiood. 

The  Hat  right  hand,  i)almdown,  is  moved  forward  and  upward,  start- 
ing at  a  point  about  twelve  inche.-  befor(^  the  breast.     (Wyamlot  I.) 

Throw  right  haiid  rom  front  to  side,  tingers  extended  and  palm  down, 
ftn-earm  horizontal.     (Nahapfin  I.) 

Same  sign  as  for  Ciilad,  PleaNt'd.     (Iroquois  I.) 

JJring  both  hands  to  the  front,  arms  extended,  palms  outward  ;  elevate 
them  upward  and  slightly  forward;  the  face  meanwhile  expressive  of 
wonder.    (Comanche  I.) 

Another:  Bring  the  hand  opposite  the  breast,  a  little  below,  hand 
extended,  palm  downward  (W),  and  let  it  move  off  in  a  horizontal 
direcition.  If  it  be  very  good,  this  may  be  re]»eated.  If  (!omparatively 
good,  repeat  it  more  violently.     (Comanche  I.) 


^11 


1r' 


126 


If; 


:«! 


Y  ; 


li 


I    ! 


Ikn/mnta  nutural  iiuftm. — Smack  tlie  lipM.     {liallitrd.) 

('losu  thu  liiind,  wliiUt  tliu  tliiiinli  is  up,  and  nod  tliu  lioad  and  smile  aH 
if  to  approve  of  sometiiin};'  K»»>d.     {Ildstnshth.) 

Use  the  si^n  for  HnildMOllie,  at  tlic  same  time  nod  tlie  head  an  if 
to  say  "yes."    {ZeUjlcr.) 

Italian  Kijjns. — Tlie  tinj-crs  jiatliered  on  the  mouth,  liissed  and  stretched 
out  ami  spread,  intimate  a  dainty  morsel.     {lUttler.) 

The  oi)en  hand  stretched  out  horizontally,  and  gently  shaken,  inti- 
mates that  a  thinj,'  is  so  so,  not  \nw(\.  and  not  l>a<l.     {liutler.) 

Some  of  the  si{>ns  appear  to  be  connected  witii  a  pleasant  taste  in  the 
mouth,  as  is  the  sij^n  of  the  French  and  our  deaf-mutes,  waving'  thence 
the  iiaiid.  back  upward,  witli  finjicrs  straij>ht  and  joined,  in  a  forward 
and  down  vard  (iiirvc.  The  same  ;.;csture  with  hand  sidewise  is  theirs 
and  ours  for  j;eneral  assent:  "  Very  well !" 

(lood,  Heart  is. 

Strike  with  ri^ht  hand  on  tiu>  heart  and  make  the  si^ii  for  4iioodf 
from  tiie  heart  outward.     {('Iici/fiinc  1.) 

Touch  the  left  breast  two  or  three  times  with  the  ends  of  the  tinj^ers 
of  the  rifjht  hand,  tluMi  nnike  the  sign  for  Ciood.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Place  the  lingers  of  the  tiat  right  hand  over  the  breast,  then  make  the 
sign  for  #iJoo«l.     [Dakota  VII,) 

Move  hand  to  position  in  front  of  breast,  fingers  extended,  palm 
downward  (W  I),  then  with  (pii(;k  movement  throw  hand  forward  and 
to  the  side  to  a  point  lU  or  lo  inches  from  body,  hand  same  as  in  first 
position.     (Sahaptin  I.)     "Cut  it  off." 

(lOod,  Very. 

Place  left  hand  in  position  in  front  of  body  with  all  fingers  closed 
except  first,  thuml)  lying  on  second  (H  1  changed  to  left),  then  with 
forefinger  of  right  hand  extended  in  same  way  (iH  2)  point  to  end 
of  forefinger  of  left  hand,  move  it  up  the  arm  till  near  the  body 
and  then  to  a  point  in  front  of  breast  to  make  the  sign  Good. 
{Sahaptin  I.) 

Ciri'aiKliiiotlier.    See  Relationship. 

Cii'Siw!^.    (Compare  Forest.) 

Point  to  the  ground  with  the  index,  and  then  turn  the  fingers  upward 
to  denote  growth.  If  the  grass  be  long,  raise  the  hand  high ;  and  if 
yellow,  i)oint  out  that  color.     {Burton.) 


'■M 


127 


■1 


8i^ii  for  Forc'Mt,  but  (liHtiii^iiislicd  tlicn^l'i'tMii  liy  relative  lieiy;lit  to 
wliicli  the  IuumI  i.s  raised.     {Arapaho.) 

Kxteiid  the  rifj'it  hand  in  front  of  body  and  near  the  j^ronnd  in  tlio 
same  position  as  the  lirst  part  of  the  si}>:n  for  fire  (hand  P) ;  raist^  the 
hand  but  slif>htl,v,  however,  turn  il  over  thit  (^V),  and  carry  it  witli  a 
i^ort  of  waving  motion  to  tiie  rijrlit  and  h;ft  as  in  imitation  of  tii(>  waving 
of  a  h>r<>'(^  field  of  {^rass.     {Pakota  I.)     "Tiie  si>rinj,'in};'  np  of  tlie  {jrass." 

Ilol<l  the  ri^M,t  iiand  near  tlic  };ronnd  or  lii^her,  aettordin;;'  to  the 
hei^'iit  of  tlie  g  ass,  its  baek  forward,  flnf^ers  pointinfjf  upward,  and  a  lit- 
tU^  bent  or  separated.  For  {jrass  {jrowiu};,  raise  tlie  hand  a  foot  or  so 
three  or  four  inehes  at  a  time.  (Pakota  IV,  V,  \'I,  \'ll;  llidtdsa  [; 
AriktttH  I.) 

Hold  tin' left  hand  ext<'nded  an<l  flat,  ]>alm  down  before  the  breast, 
the  ri};hr  underneath  it  at  a  distance  to  show  height  of  grass;  move 
the  right  hand  forward  and  backward  from  the  ti])  to  the  wrist  of  tlie 
left  (maintaining  juevious  distance)  to  show  tne  spreading  of  the  growth 
over  the  surface.  (Ute  1.)  "This  sign  is  used  only  in  conversation, 
when  it  is  known  that  grass  is  meant  by  ju'evions  reference;  otlierwi.se 
the  following  sign  is  used." 

Another:  Is  also  represented  by  holding  the  flat  right  hand,  palm 
downward,  a  few  inches  from  the  ground,  different  elevations  rejjreseut- 
ing  varying  heights  of  growth.     {Ute  I.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  at  the  height  of  the  knee,  back  down,  fingers 
jtointing  ui>ward  and  diverging;  then  indicate  the  height  by  placting 
tlie  fiat  and  extended  i>alm  (h)wnward  at  the  recpiired  height.    (Apache  I.) 

Pea/mute  n(tt  Ufa  I  sign, — Imitate  the  nmnnerof  nH)wing  with  a  scythe, 
and,  having  touched  the  lips  while  the  Jaws  are  in  motion,  hold  the 
hands  apart,  one  over  the  other,  and  then  move  about  the  liaud  horizon- 
tally.    {CrosK.) 

Fine  or  nice. 


Make  tl>e  sign  for  CiJraxN  and  Crood.  Literally,  good  gra.ss.  {Pa- 
kota VI.) 

UrawAnK.    Sec  Fee«lin|i?. 

(ireame. 

Left  hand  held  carelessly  to  level  of  and  in  front  of  left  breast ;  two 
first  fingers  of  the  right  hand  .slightly  extended  and  rubbed  against  the 
palm  of  the  hand  at  the  ba.se  of  the  thumb.  {Cheyenne  I.)  Probably  a 
reference  to  the  manner  in  which  marrow  is  used  in  painting. 


I: 


m 


m 


ni 


m 


-H- 


i 


k  1 


m 


12K 

Iti^lit  liiiiitl  witli  (lii}i;*'rs  IxMit  in  i-«'S(Mi)l)liiii<'(>  to  tliu  bowl  of  a  spoon, 
)in*l  tli«-n  in  tliis  position  liron;{lit  ov«>r  tii<!  I«>rt,as  tlioii^:li  fni|)t,vin;;  <'on- 
fonts  of  spoon  into  it,  \vlii(;|i  is  In'ld  level  of  stoniacli  liori/ontal,  palm 
upward,  tln;;(M's  cxttMHlt'd,  curved  iipwanl,  pointing'  outward,  ri^lit  hand 
then  joinin;>'  tiie  left  and  in  sanu' position,  Itotli  hands  are  pushed  out  in 
front  of  body  as  thou^^h  holdin<:'  a  pan  in  theni,  and  at  tint  same  timit 
ineliiuMhe  h(>ad  forward  and  lilow  on  the  liainls.  (hiik-ota  l.)  "Front 
eoolinj;  hot  {jfrease,  or  food  cooked  in  it." 

Ciil'Cal.     (dompare   lli|i',  in  tlie  sense  of  ;;rcat.) 

The  two  hands  op«'n  placed  wide  apart  on  each  side  the  body  and 
m()ved  forward.     (Ihinhnr.) 

Tlie  sijj;n  for  IBi;;',  in  the  sense  of  Utt'ffe  around,  used  tr  represent  tho 
(jindity  of  ji't'idness.     {('Iiei/enu)'  I.) 

Ih'dJ'mntv  iiotitral  sitfH. — Separate  the  haiuls  widely  apart.     (UuUnnl.) 

€ij|*(>nf  Fallicr:    l*i*(>Mi(l(>ii( ;  uImo  Mrcrcl.'iry  of  Interior. 

Make  the  si^iis  for  WliKc  mail,  I'liicl*,  and  l<'allH'r.  {Kaiotm 
1;  Vomanohe  \\\  \  AitncheW;    Wiiltifa  II.) 

Iiircen.    Kee  C'olor. 

iirlef. 

lirinji-  the  ri^ht  hand  up  to  the  left  breast  with  lingers  and  thumb 
together  (U,  liug(?rs  downward),  foretiuger  against  breast,  make  a  down- 
ward movement,  the  hand  turning  as  it  goes  down  till  the  palm  is  uj)- 
ward.     {Cheyenne  II.)     Downhearted;  lost  heart. 

Phme  the  ends  of  the  tingers  over  the  ey(\s  with  both  hands  at  the 
same  time,  and  gently  let  the  hands  droj),  imitating  dropjiing  of  tears 
by  repeating  the  motion  two  or  three  times,  tln^  hands  falling  about  to 
the  breast,  the  head  bowed  forward.     (OJihica  IV.) 

The  sign  for  Weepinn,  Cri/infj  "  a  i»'irt  of  the  sign  for  grief,  which 
would  hardly  be  complete,  however,  without  reference  to  the  heart,  and 
the  following  is  the  sign  for  grief  or  sorrow  of  the  heart,  or,  as  tlie  Sioux 
say,  " //fcYf/-^  (.s'  (loivn,  iq)sef."'  Ihe  palmar  surface  of  the  right  haiul 
horizontal,  with  fingers  exteiuled,  pats  the  left  breast  several  times,  and 
is  then  turned  over  threes  or  four  inches  in  front  of  the  left  breast  so  as 
to  bring  the  palm  ui)ward,  thumb  outward.  {Dakota  J.)  "  Upset  heart, 
weeping." 

rirtce  the  palmar  side  of  the  extended  lingers  of  the  right  hand  to  the 
front  side  of  tlu?  head,  close  the  eyes,  and  drop  the  head  forward  upon 
the  breast.    (  Wyandot  1.) 


12:) 


liil'i(>«(Ml  ;  Wduiidcd  tf«-liii(<;s. 

With  tlu^  iiulcx  only  (>.\t«'iid(><l  aiwl  lit-ld  Iiori/.oiitall.v  in  front  of  tlio 
birast,  pointing'  t(»\vtird  tlio  left,  ]>i'(>tcnd  to  puncture  tliu  licai't  at  re 
pt»att'<l  niovoincnts.     (luiioira  I  ;  Vomancln' III  ;  A i»ivIh' 11;  Wivhihi  II.) 

4iil'Ollll(l.     Sec  |<:ai*tll. 

Iiii'ou  or  V<>K('t»l(>,  To. 

Turn  hand  and  lorctlnj^'cr  up  from  the  ground,  indicatin;;  the  ^rowin;; 
or  coming'  from  the  ground  or  ont  of  the  *>arth,  *-los(^  the  bahinro  of 
fin^-'crn  over  tin*  upturned  pidin  of  tin*  ri;;lit  hand,  raise  hand  by  a  (piiek 
motion  a  few  inelies  from  tlie  earth.     {OJihini  IV.) 

Commence  with  the.si;>;ii  for  liilV,  living,  iS:(\,  l)ut stop  the  u])\vard 
motion  of  th(«  hand  at  the  projter  time  and  turn  it  over,  and  hold  as  seen 
in  ;W).  {Ihihofit  I.)  "  Desiji'natinj;  the  amount  of  {^rowtii  by  heifjht 
from  the  f>round." 

The  hand  is  collected  somewhat  cui»-sliaped,  as  in  type  i)osition  (O), 
the  tin^^crs  more  closed  and  hand  horizontal,  and  made  to  appr<»ach  liie 
mouth,  as  in  the  act  of  eatinj,'.  The  extended  rijjht  and  left  indices  are 
then  crossed  and  brouj;'ht  near  the  t;roMiid.  From  this  position  the 
hands  (H  .v(7»  are  uniforndy  and  siuM-essively  raised  in  jerks.  [Ofo  aniJ 
Missouri  I.)     "  The  cominj;'  up  of  something  to  eat  from  the  cartli." 

Iiillll. 

Hold  out  the  left  hand,  as  in  the  act  of  supporting  the  ^un  when 
directed  horizontally,  ami  with  the  rijjlit  appear  to  cocU  it.     (/.'>"//.) 

Close  the  lingers  against  the  tlnnnb,  elevate,  the  hand,  and  oi)en  the 
finjicrs  with  a  (piicrk  Miit}).  (Wicd.)  It  seems  to  me  tliat  here  li(>  only 
describes  in  sli}>htly  varied  language  the  motion  already  referred  to  in 
Arrow,  To  mIiooI  with,  and  liiiiii,  DiMcliarge  ol',  the  tiring 
of  a  gun  and  not  the  gun  itself.  The  oidy  sign  I  ever  remember  to  have 
seen  for  lirllll  was  made  by  tln^  arms  being  held  in  the  position  of 
shooting  a  g...i ;  but  whether  this  sign  was  conventional  or  im[»rovised 
1  do  not  reiiHMnber.     (Mottliews.) 

The  dexter  thumb  and  lingers  are  flashed  or  scattered,  /.  <:,  thrown 
outward  or  upward,  to  denote  fire.     (Burton.) 

Itight-hand  fingers  pointing  ui)\vard,  partially  closed  against  the 
thund),  held  to  level  of  shoulder,  suddenly  elevated  above  the  head, 
and  the  fingers  and  thumb  at  the  same  time  snapped  open  to  imitate  the 
(juick  discharge  of  smoke  from  a  gun.     (dhcyennc  I.) 

IJotli  index-fingers  extended  (others  closed),  thund)s  resting  on  second 
fingers,  the  right  brought  to  the  right  eye,  with  back  of  hand  toward 
the  right,  horizontal  finger  pointing  straight  outward,  and  the  left  arm 


i 


1  .-U) 

cxttMHk'd  to  its  full  (!!i]>iicit.v  in  front  of  tlie  «'.V(',  so  that  llie  cxtondod 
fort'tinjjrer  of  tliiit  lunid  is  on  a  lino  with  tlio  extended  foretinger  of  tiie 
iij>lit,  buck  of  left  hand  toward  the  left,  hand  horizontal,  Hnjjer  i)ointin{j 
forward.  I-Mge  of  the  finjjers  of  both  hands  downward.  {DnUota  1.) 
"  Kroni  the  act  of  aiming  with  the  {{un." 


:  I 


r« 


Semi-Hex  the  tin<>ers  and  thninb  of  the  left  hand,  and  i)la(;e  the  hand 
in  front  of  tiie  chest,  witli  its  palm  inclinin};-  downward,  backward,  and 
toward  the  rij>ht  at  an  an<>le  of  4')°;  pass  the  rijjht  tivst  upward  along 
the  ])alm  of  the  left  until  the  rijuht  wrist  lies  between  the  left  thumb 
and  index,  then  suddeidy  ojjen  all  the  fingers.     {Dalotii  IV.) 

The  right  hand  brought  to  the  right  side  of  {(le  chest's  to])  in  posi- 
tit)u  (E  1),  horizontal ;  the  fingi'rs  suddenly  opened,  :is  in  grasping  a 
trigger;  the  left  arm  and  index-finger  extended,  and  tlu'  right  hand  in 
above  j)osition  brought  to  tiie  middle  of  the  left  arm;  the  rigiit  liaiul 
suddenly  exjtanded  upward,  as  the  smoke  from  the  exjtlosion  of  the  cap 
when  tlu'  gun  isdisciiargfd.  (Oto  nnd  Missouri  1.)  "That  which  is  dis- 
charged by  a  trigger  from  the  shoidder." 

V\i\),  ]»eicnssion. 


Left  hand  held  in  front  of  the  breast,  half  dosed,  lingers  of  the  right 
imud  clasped  as  tiiough  grasping  a  small  object  ami  brought  down  to 
left  hand  ;  motion  made  with  the  right  hand  as  though  cocking  a  gun; 
right  hand  slapped  into  the  palm  of  the  left  hand,  ir.aking  a  sharp  clap. 

{CIh'i/viuk;  1.) 

Discharge  of  a. 


JMace  both  hands  as  in  Arrow,  to  Mhoof  an;  extend  the  left  arm, 
contract  the  right  before  the  face,  then  snap  iiie  ends  of  the  fingers 
forward.  (  Wicd.)  The  des(  ription  is  so  ambiguous  thar  I  can  not 
siitisfy  myself  as  t')  his  meaning.  l'<  ihaps  he  is  trying  to  describe  a 
form  of  tlu'  sign  for  Volley,  whicii  I  ga'  e  you.  (Miittheics )  There  is 
indisputable  similarity  in  the  {Oto  and  Misxoiiri  1)  sign  and  Wicd's  as  to 
conception  and  execsut'on,  the  slight  dittere'ice  being  in  executing  it. 
(Boteler.) 

Left  hand  with  ail  the  tingei .;  I'xtended,  horizontal,  back  outward,  edge 
of  fingers  <lownward,  is  lieh'  about  18  inches  in  front  of  the  bn^ast,  and 
the  back  of  tiic  right  with  lingers  extended,  ui»right,  joined,  back  out- 
ward (^»),  is  cariied  ;.ut  from  the  breast,  struck  quickly  against  the 
palm  of  the  l^f*^,  i.  c,  clapping  the  hands.  This  is  for  a  single  dis- 
charge. For  a  continuous  discsharge  of  nnisketrv,  clap  the  hands  many 
times  i'.  rapid  succcitsion.  {Dakota  1.)  "  From  the  noise  of  the  discharge 
of  tire-arnis.'' 


!>3! 


131 

<iTiin-llint. 

With  tlic  iiulox  <ii)}jer  of  the  ri}>:ht  cut  ott  a  piwie  of  the  oxteiidtHl 
thninl),  so  tliat  the  tiii<;vr  is  laid  across  the  thunih-iiail.  (  Weid.)  I  have 
seen  this  siyn  made,     (^[(t(tll( irs.) 

4ir  II II  powder. 

Aj.pear  to  take  uj)  a  piiieh  ot  lie  jxtwder  and  to  rub  it  between  the 
finger  and  thnnib,  then  turning  the  hand  spring  the  lingers  from  the 
thumb  upward,  so  as  to  represent  the  exploding  of  the  powder.    ( hoiuj.) 

IJub  the  tluunb  and  index  finger  together  repeatedly.  (  Wied.)  I 
remember  having  seen  this  sign  nmde;  but  I  thiniv  that  when  the 
lingers  were  rubbed  together  they  were  held  points  downward,  an  inch 
or  s(>  above  the  o\w\\  palm  of  the  left  hand.     {}'a1thews,) 

The  left  hand  Ixnizontal,  palm  njiward,  fingers  to  the  right  (X),  is  lu  Id 
in  front  of  tlie  breast;  rigiit  in-nd  (I'),  with  fingers  pointing  do .tuward, 
baiik  outward,  is  held  over  the  i)alm  of  the  left,  witli  a  slight  motion  of 
the  thumb  and  forefinger,  as  though  feeling  the  grains  of  powder  with 
them.     {Dokoiu  I.)     "  Kxamining  tiie  grains  of  powder." 

Kill)  the  thund)  and  index  of  the  right  hand  fogether  f«)r  several 
seeonds.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Ciriiii-Ni'rew. 

Elevate  the  hand  to  indicate  the  gun  and  twist  the  fingers  spirally 
around  the  thundi.     (  W'icd.) 

(irllll-MllOt. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Ex|iloNioil  with  the  rigli  hand,  which  is 
made  by  the  list  (B  li),  excepting  that  the  thumb  is  un(U'r  the  fingers 
i.  (' ,  resting  in  the  |)alm  of  tiie  hivnd,  the  lingers  are  snapi)e(l  forwitrd 
aiul  ui)ward  from  the  level  (tf  the  breast  to  that  of  the  iiead,  where  all 
rhe  fingers  are  closed  bi'l  the  index  ami  second,  which  are  fei)arited 
and  i)oint  upward  (?¥).  {Dakota  I.)  "  Indicates  the  explosion  or  dis- 
cliarge  of  both  barrels  of  a  double-barreled  shot-guii." 

To  hit  w'Mi  a. 


!'iac(^  the  tips  of  the  fingers  dowjnvanl  uimii  Hie  thumb,  then  snuj) 
them  forward  and  strike  the  hands  together.  (  Mied.)  Probably  wlien 
he  says,  "strike  the  hands  together,"  he  wishes  to  describe  my  sign  for 
^liot.  When  the  person  wlioiii  the  prince  saw  making  tliis  sign, 
I'aised  the  finger,  he  may  have  done  so  to  indicate  a  iHail,  or  One 
.sliot.  I  do  not  think  that  the  raising  of  the  finger  is  an  integral  i)art  of 
the  si gn .    ( Mattheics. ) 

Same  as  Bow,  but  in  making  th»>  '"rst  sign  have  l)oth  hands  opened 
and  the  fingers  pointing  toward  the  left.     (Dakota  IV.) 


¥■: 


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132 

Place  the  left  hand  at  arm's  loiifttli  in  front  cf  the  breast,  the  rifjht  at 
the  same  e?  vation  hut  in  front  of  the  rif^ht  shoulder,  then  snap  the 
finfjers  from  the  thumb  simultaneously.  When  the  sign  is  rsed  in  con- 
nection with  other  {gestures  in  a  s(^ntence  it  is  thus  abbreviated ;  when 
used  alone,  the  backs  of  the  lingers  of  the  right  hand  are  :-itruek  Hat 
against  the  ])alm  of  the  left.     {rai-Ute  I.) 

Extend  the  left  hand,  closed,  nearly  at  arm's  length.  Place  the  closed 
right  hand  before  the  right  shoulder,  first  two  fingers  resting  on  the 
ball  of  the  thumb;  then  simultaneously  snap  forward  the  index  and 
secoiul  fingers  of  the  right  hand  and  the  forefinger  of  the  left;  finally, 
throw  the  open  riglit  hand  over  and  downward  toward  the  right. 
(Ute  I;  Ahsarohu  1 ;  ISlioslioui  and  Jkniak  I.)     "To  hit  and  kill." 

To  hit  the  target. 


Witii  the  lunula'  ii;  the  jmsition  stated  -it  the  completion  of  the  sign 
for  liiiin,  (li<i»clpai*;(e  ofi"  a,  draw  the  right  hand  back  from  the  left, 
that  is,  in  *^oward  the  body;  close  all  the  fingers  ex(!ept  the  index, 
which  is  exteniled,  horizontal,  back  tow;ird  the  right,  jiointing  straight 
outward,  is  pushed  forward  against  the  center  (»f  the  stationaiy  lo^'t 
liaml  with  a  <|uick  motion.  Siiould  the  target  not  be  hit  it  can  be 
indicated  by  i)ushing  the  index  above,  below,  or  to  the  side  of  the  left 
hand,  as  the  case  ncy  require.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  striking  of  the 
target.     IJullet  <'omes  to  a  stop." 

Hail. 

IJegin  witli  the  sign  of  IVatei*,  then  Mie  sign  of  Cold,  next  the 
sign  of  a  Mtone,  then  that  for  N.^.iie  or  ISiiiiilai*,  then  the  sign  of 
White,  and  lastly  conclude  with  {he  sign  of  an  Egg";  all  of  which 
combined  gives  the  idea  of  hail.     (Dnnhar.) 

With  the  forefinger  of  right  hand  resting  against  the  ball  of  the 
thumb,  with  the  second  and  third  phalanges  (irooked  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  form  a  small  rouiul  oj)euing  resembling  a  hail-stone,  other  fingers 
extended,  make  in  front  of  faite  and  above  and  around  it  the  upward 
and  downward  movements,  describing  the  falling  of  hailstones.  (Da- 
kota I.)     "  From  the  falling  of  hail-stones." 

Deaf-mute  natural  si/jus, — Hepresented  by  showing  the  ball  of  the 
thumb  to  indicate  the  size,  pointing  to  the  shirt-bosom  to  signify  the 
color,  and  moving  the  extended  fingers  down  rei)eatedly  to  denote  the 
fall.     (Ballard.) 

Move  the  hands  outstretched  upward  and  downward,  and  then  strike 
the  rtst  on  the  head.     (Larson.) 

Hair. 

The  move:::ent  of  combing.     (Dunbar.) 


.''■Mi 


138 

(1)  Loft,  liaiid  naturally  closed,  elevated  to  the  front  of  the  i)erson, 
riftht  hand  held  carelessly  af>ainst  base  of  tlnunb  of  left  hand  ;  (L')  sign 
foj-  firrnMM  made.  This  si^ii  is  sometimes  made  over  other  portions  of 
th(;  body,  the  idea  beinfj  skin  grass.     {Cliei/eiine  1.) 

Touch  I'he  hair  of  the  person  or  animal  with  the  rigiit  index.  (Dako- 
id  I.)     "Designating  the  hai.." 

Haiti  §fo|>! 

liaise  the  hand,  with  tiie  i)alm  in  front,  and  i)usli  it  backward  and 
forwart?  several  limes — a  gestnr«',  well  known  in  the  I'^ast.     (Burton.) 

I'alm  of  rigiit  hand  down,  move  sideways  two  or  tlirc  e  times,  during 
the  extension  of  arm  slowly  extending  to  natural  length  (not  stretched), 
then  stopped  and  held  still  a  moment,  gently  lower  a  little,  with  a  care- 
ful movement  to  tiu'  right  of  said  slioulder.     [Ojibira  IV.) 

Ikiglit  hand  brougiit  in  iront  of  the  right  breast  a  few  inches,  hand 
and  lingers  nprigiit,  joined,  palm  outward  (T),  carry  it  in  this  |)ositiou 
directly  outward  from  the  body  witii  a  ([uick  movement,  and  when  the 
arm  is  extended  about  two-thirds  of  itscai>acity,  come  to  a  sudden  stop 
and  hold  there  a  monu'ut.  {Dalotd  I.)  "From  the  act  of  stopping 
suddenly." 

IJotli  hands  i-linchcd  as  in  (.\),  lield  in  front  (»f  the  body,  the  right 
hand  above  the  left.  l>ring  tlic  rigiit  hand  down  (piicklyon  top  of  the 
left.     (Dalota  III.) 

Siiake  the  upright  o|)ened  ri^'ht  hand  four  to  eight  inclu's  from  side 
to  side  a  few  tijues,  from  twelve  to  eightee)'  inches  in  front  of  the  right 
shouhler,  tin-  j.  dm  forward,  lingers  relaxed  and  separated  a  little;  then 
close  the  hand  and  lower  the  fist  about  eighteen  inciies,  back  outward. 
(Ikikota  IV.) 

An(»ther:  Iiu;line  the  body  forward,  ])Iace  the  right  fist  at  arm's  length 
forward,  a  little  higher  than  the  navel,  bent  ui)ward  at  the  wrist,  back 
outward,  then  move  the  fist  downward  about  eighteen  inches.  {Dakota 
IV.) 

Extend  the  left  hand,  palms  turned  inward,  fingers  dosed.  Extend 
the  right  in  the  same  way  and  bring  the  extended  palm  of  the  right 
smartly  aiaess  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the  left.  Just  missing  them. 
Wiiile  traveling,  if  they  want  to  stoji  and  camp,  this  sign  is  used  with 
the  following  aihlition:  Clinch  the  rigiit  fist  (F)  and  bring  it  smartly 
down.  This  indicates  they  will  sit  down  there.  (Comanche  I.)  "Cut 
it  off." 

Closo  the  right,  leaving  the  index  fully  extended  ;  place  the  tii>  to  the 
mouth,  then  direct  it  firmly  forward  and  downward  toward  the  ground. 
(PaiUte  I.) 


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184 

Deaf-mute  natural  sif/n. — Lift  both  iiaiids  up.     (Zeigkr.) 

Italian  Niyn. — The    open  hand   stretched  out  witli   the   lingers  up. 

(Buthr.) 

Halt.     A  storipin«-i)hu'e. 

Must  be  in(li(!ated  by  tlie  ]»roper  name  of  the  i)lace  (as  Had  River, 
Standing  IJoeiv,  Big  Woods,  ifn:.)  at  wliich  the  lialt  (wliich  is  also  the 
sU'eping|)laee  for  tlie  niglit)  is  made.  Indians  have  no  "halts"  in  the 
ICiiglish  sense  of  the  word,  but  would  say  instead,  "  I  slept  at  such  a 
river  or  rock."  In  only  one  way  can  Indians  be  said  to  have  halting- 
places,  i.  e.,  as  on  a  long  journey  over  a  well-knowu  country  the  same 
caiii])s  are  nuide  time  after  time  as  long  as  tind)er  and  water  last,  and 
distance  is  rougidy  calculated  or  estiinate<l  by  so  many  camps  or  days' 
Journey.     ( DaUota  I.) 

Haiiiiiicr 

8ame  as  tlu-  .  '»r  ^ifoiie,  HaiMl,  «S:c.  Sometimes  a  distinction 
is  sought  to  be  .de  in  the  case  of  Bammer  by  pounding  in  the 
palm  of  the  left  hand  with  the  lower  i)art  of  the  right  list  (A).  (Pakota 
I.;     "From  the  use  of  the  hamnu'r." 

HaiKlMOiiie.     (Com])are  4iiood  and  Pretty.) 

Right  hand  touching  the  left  side  of  forehead,  hand  horizontal,  palm 
inward,  fingers  joined,  and  the  thnnd>  pointing  obliciuely  upward  (W 
2),  bring  tb.e  hand  down  over  the  face  to  the  left  breast,  there  turn  the 
hand  so  that  it  will  be  as  in  (W)  with  tips  of  extended  fingers  pointing 
toward  the  left,  ami  carry  it  outwanl  and  toward  the  right.  {Dalcota  I.) 
"Pretty  fa(!e,  good  heart." 

Deaf-mute  natural  nign. — Draw  the  outstretched  palm  of  the  right 
han<l  down  the  right  cheek.     (Zeifjler.) 

Haraiiftiic.    See  Speaking'. 

Hard. 

Oj>en  the  left  hand  atnl  strike  against  it  several  times  with  the  right 
(with  the  backs  of  the  lingers).  (Wied.)  Still  used  for  hard  in  certain 
senses.     (Matthcirs.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Mtoiie.  {Bakota  I.)  "  Would  seem  to  refer  to 
t'  .  time  when  the  stone  hammer  was  the  hardest  pounding  instrument 
these  Indians  knew," 

Rotate  the  right  tist  a  very  little  from  side  to  side  while  raising  it 
about  a  toot  from  just  in  front  of  the  right  breast,  its  palm  inward. 
The  tist  represents  the  heart  which  is  hard,  and  the  motion  its  beating. 
{Dakota  IV.) 


I   i 
;    > 


1  .'io 

Strike  the  palm  of  the  left  liaiid  with  tiie  front  of  tlie  rif>ht  list  several 
tinie.s.     (luiiowal;  Coma  nvlic  III',  Apache  II;    Wichita  II.) 

Push  the  tii»  of  the  rijjlit  index  ajjainst  the  ti^ijiitlyelinehed  left  fist 
(A)  at  several  imints.     (Apache  III.)     "  Impenetrability." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sigm. — Strike  the  tists  together,     {harmu.) 

Hold  the  forefinger  and  thumb  :<s  if  pressing  something  between,  at 
the  same  lime  smaek  the  lips  as  if  there  was  a  i)asty  substance  between. 

(Zeifiler.) 

Excessively  hard:  harder  than  anything. 

Make  tlie  sign  for  Hard,  then  place  the  left  index-fliiger  upon  the 
right  shoulder,  at  the  same  time  exteinl  and  raise  the  right  arm  higii, 
extending  the  index-finger  upward  perpendicularly.  (  W'icd.)  This  was 
said  by  fui  Ogalala  to  mean  "a  hardy  man."     (Vorbusier.) 

Strike  the  i)alm  of  the  left  hand  with  the  back  of  tiie  right  list  (to 
denote  the  resistance);  then  make  the  sign  for  Hard.     (l>ahota  IV.) 

Hare. 

With  the  fore  and  second  fingers  (,\,  with  the  two  lingers  consider- 
ably separated)  of  each  hand  on  their  respective  sides  of  the  head,  and 
with  the  extended  fingers  jtointing  upward,  backs  of  hands  light  to  right 
and  left  to  le  t,  wafv  them  forward  and  backward,  and  then  with  both 
hands  oi)en,  fingers  stiaight,  slightly  separated,  ])ointing  upright,  backs 
of  hands  in  the  same  relative;  position  as  above,  in  front  and  at  tlie  level 
of  the  face,  and  with  the  left  hand  seven  or  eight  inches  forward  of  the 
right,  make  the  forward  movements  with  both  at  the  same  time  in  imita- 
tion of  the  running  jumps  of  the  rabbit  by  moving  them  forward  on  a 
short  curve,  and  then  at  the  level  of  the  bnjast  lay  the  ext<'n(h>d  straight 
and. joined  first  and  .  e(;ond  fingers  of  the  right  hand  across  the  backs  ot 
of  the  similarly  extende<l  fore  and  second  fingers  of  the  left  at  right 
angles.  {Dakota  1.)  "  I-'rom  the  ears,  manner  of  running,  shadow,  (S:c., 
of  the  rabbit." 

Hat. 

I'ass  the  parted  thumb  and  index-fingei'  al)out  both  sides  of  the  iu-ad 
where  the  hat  rests  upon  it.  (  WiciJ.)  This  sign  is  still  in  use  among 
tlie  Indians.  {Matthews.)  The  latter  movement  of  the  hand  in  WioVs 
sign  is  probably  the  same  as  the  first  nu)tion  of  the  {Otoautl  Mixsouri  I) 
sign,    {lioteler.) 

With  the  right  index  extended  and  i)ointing  toward  the  left,  and  the 
thumb  extended  and  pointing  backward,  the  other  fingers  closed,  move 
the  hand  from  the  top  of  the  head  forward  and  downward  to  the  eye- 
brows.    {Dakota  IV.)     "Covering  the  head." 


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l*Ia(!o  tilt'  t'xtciuliMl  iiidi'xliiif'cr  iiiid  tlmiiil)  on  tlio  forchcud  iiiul  rif>lit 
si(U'  of  Unt  lu'iul,  tlii'ii  (Iniw  tlu'iii  to}>etlu'r  on  it  liorizontiil  lino  wlierc 
tlio  liat  rests  upon  the  Iieiid.     ( Dakota  Vi) 

The  arms  and  hands  are  raised  to  the  foreliead,  the  thumbs  are  erect, 
tlu*  extended  indiees  meet  at  th(^  midtUeot'the  foreliead — the  hands  are 
in  position  (L) — and  diverf;e,  drawing  a  line  to  the  ears.  The  fingers  are 
now  elosed  and  seemiiijily  pull  something"  from  the  to]>  of  the  head  down- 
\vard.  [Olo  <iud  Missouri  I.)  "Sonn'thiii}''  that  is  pulled  down  on  and 
marks  the  forehead," 

Hntclief.    See  Tomahawk. 

Hate,  I.     (('omi):ire  C'oillcilipt.) 

Shake  the  head,  mak<'  outward  (piiek  motion  of  both  hands  as  if 
imsiiing  ba('k  with  the  right  hand,  fialms  out,  extend  tliuinb  and  tingera 
partly,  and  sometimes  sliut  the  hands  or  lists  closely,  indicating  more 
intense  feeling,     {(tjihica  IV.) 

The  sign  is  nearly  tiie  same  as  for  Coillt'llipt,  DiMlaill,  but  the 

thumb  is  held  under  the  hand,  its  tij)  projecting  between  the  secMuid 
and  third  Hiigers,  and  the  hand  is  thrown  out  in  front  of  the  body  and 
lingers  separated,  back  iii)ward,  with  great  for(;e.  This  expresses  genu- 
ine hate,  hatred,  and  the  case  is  always  a  serious  one  where  this  sign  is 
used  by  an  Indian,  who  also  expresses  his  hatred  by  approi)riute  facial 
emotions.     (Dnkota  I.) 

Have;    I  Have.    See  PoMMewMion. 

He,  or  another. 

The  foretinger  extended  and  hands  shut,  and  lingers  brought  over  one 
another,  or  nearly  touching,  and  then  sepanvted  moderately  quick. 
(Dunbar.) 

Indicate  one's  self  by  touching  or  otherwise,  followed  by  sign  of  JVeg^a- 
tive;  ('.  c,  "not  myself,  another."     {Arapaho  L) 

liidi(!ate  the  particular  person  or  persons  to  which  referent*  is  made 
by  pointing  toward  him  or  them  with  the  right  index  (i?I).  {Dahotal.) 
"Designating  a  jtarticular  perison." 

(1)  Only  by  pointing  with  right  index  (2)  and  extending  left  index. 
[Apache  III.)     (2)  The  person  (1)  over  there. 

Deaf-mute  sign. — Point  the  thumb  over  the  right  shoulder. 


■M 


157 

Ill  the  plirasc  of,  Another  speaks. 

Pi«'('i'»lc  tlic  ^esluro  for  Npeak,  by  placiiifj:  the  liaiiil  not  near  the 
iiiontli,  but  bogiiiiiiiig  fartlicr  away,  drawiiij,'  it  iicau'r  and   nearer. 

( Wied) 

Heap,  pill',  iiioiiiid. 

The  liands  are  broiij^ht  from  their  natural  j)osition.s  by  a  curved  motion 
witli  tiie  i)ahiis  <U)\vii\vard,  linj^ers  extended  separated,  nearly  to{;ether 
in  front  of  the  breasts,  18  inches,  linf;ers  pointin}>-  outward,  hands  hori- 
Kontal,  Hat,  &c.,  when  the  curved  motions  cease,  and  the  hands  (W) 
are  carried  straif>iit  downward  six  (u-  seven  inches  and  brout^ht  to 
a  stop  suddenly  as  thoufih  pattinj;-  down  the  top  of  a  i>ile.  (Dakota  1.) 
"From  tln^  shai)e  of  a  mound,  heap,  or  pile." 

llear,lo;  lieai*iii$$';  heard;  liMleii.   ((Joiii]>are  I'lidei'Mlaiid.) 

IMaci^  the  open  thumb  and  imh^x-liiific^r  over  tiie  ri^ht  ear,  and  move 
them  hither  and  thither.  (Wied.)  I  liave  }jiven  you  this  sijjn  with  a 
.similar  meanin}>',  but,  as  in  si<«!is  for  Coat  and  Lej/j/inns,  I  say  tiie  fni;;er 
til»s  are  in  contact,  which  he  says  they  are  not.  The  remarks  I  make 
about  this  diHereiice  in  the  former  signs  may  apply  as  well  to  this. 
{Matthews.) 

Tap  the  right  ear  with  tiie  index  tip.     (lUirfoii.) 

A  twirling'  at  the  ear.     (Mae{)oi(Hni.) 

First  and  middle  finger  of  right  hand  pointing  upward  held  close  to 
right  ear;  moved  gently  downward  and  forward,  eyes  looking  askance, 
eyebrows  contracted  as  if  in  the  act  of  listening.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

IMace  the  hand  paitially  closed,  palm  to  the  front,  behind  the  ear. 
{Arupaho  I.) 

First  makethe  sign  for  Attention,  and  then  carry  tiie  hand  back  in 
the  same  position  to  near  the  right  breast,  and  at  the  same  time  in- 
cline the  head  toward  the  sound  or  the  direction  in  which  it  comes. 
{Dakota  I.)  "Same  as  wiili  us;  lirst  attracting  attention  as  an  indica- 
tion to  keei»  (piiet  and  then  listening." 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  and  thumb  fully  extended 
aiul  separated  ;  place  the  hand  upon  tlu^  right  ear  with  the  index  above 
it  and  the  thumb  below;  then  pass  forward  and  slightly  downward  by 
the  v!heek.     {Ahsarokal;  Jlidntsal;  Arikaral;  IShoshoni  and  lianak  I.) 

Forefinger  right  hand  extended,  curved,  (others closed);  thumb  rest- 
ing on  second  finger  is  carried  directly  to  the  riglit  ear.     {Dakota  I.) 
"From  the  act  of  hearing." 
18 


■1 


W] 

i'rv  'I 


■M 


^^'' 


ill 

:  ..',-■'  > 

If 

.;',.■;'* 

|if! 

^  ml 


llii; 


■li:«-l 


m 


H 


\•^H 

Holding  Uw,  fingers  as  for  I  know,  place  tlie  riglit  iiulux,  back  out- 
wanl,  in  front  of  tlie  riglit  car,  poiiitinf^  upward  and  a  little  forward. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

Tlie  tips  of  the  fore(in{;cr  and  tliunih  bcinjj;'  opposed,  the  liand  is  held  a 
few  indies  from  tlu^  ear  and  then  caused  to  apjuoach  (he  latter.  Tlie 
hand  may  tiien  be  restored  t()  its  ori}{inal  i)osition  and  motion  repeated. 
(Mandan  and  Jlidatm  I.) 

Spread  tiu;  lliund)  and  index  widely  a])art,  remaining'  lingers  closed; 
place  the  liand,  palm  forward,  to  tlu^  side  of  the  head,  the  thumb  below 
the  ear,  and  tlie  index  above  it;  then  move  the  hand  forward  and  down- 
ward.    {Kaioira  I;  Votnaiwlie  III ;  A jiaelte  II ;    lV7c/i(7<f  II.) 

Place  the  iiand  beiiind  tiu;  ear  in  tl»e  nutst  natural  manner  for  a 
listener.     (Vomauelic  I.)     "I  want  to  hear." 

Fingers  and  thund>  of  tiie  right  hand  closed,  index  crooked,  ])laced 
opposite  and  pointing  to  the  ear,  palm  toward  the  shoulder,  and  moved 
toward  tiie  ear  several  times.     [Apache  I.) 

To  listen. 


Hold  the  right  index  in  front  of  the  ear  as  for  I  Hear,  and  then 
turn  the  hand  a  little  from  side  to  side  two  or  three  times.  ( Dakota  IV.) 

Bring  the  hand  (R  with  last  three  fingers  shut)  near  the  ear,  thumb 
and  index  raised,  oth(;r  fingers  closed;  turn  the  head  to  bring  the  ear 
toward  source  of  sound;  facial  expression  inquiring.  {Apache  III.) 
"  Sound  coming  to  ear." 

Deaf-mute  naturaJ  aUins. — I'lace  the  foix'fingeron  the  ear;  at  thesanie 
time  incline  the  head  as  if  to  listen  to  something.     (Zeijjler.) 

Move  the  forefinger  nearly  to  the  ear.     (Ballard.) 

To  i)oint  the  finger  to  the  ear.     (Larson.) 

Do  not.     I  do  n(>t  understand. 


Make  the  sign  for  I  Undei*!iitaiifl,  1  Hear,  and  then  the  sigu  for 
]Vo,  or  throw  the  hand  outward  from  the  ear.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Point  the  forefingers  of  both  hands  to  the  external  meatus  of  the  ears. 
(Zuni  1.) 

With  one's  own  ears,  To. 


Make  the  sign  for  Hear,  then  pass  the  index  of  the  right  hand  from 
the  left  ear  outward  toward  the  left.     (Arikara  I.) 


139 

Heard,  I  linvc. 

()l)on  wide  tho  thumb  iiiid  iiKlcx-Hii^jfc?  of  tho  rij^lit  liiiiid,  pliici^  tlnMii 
ovor  tlio  ciir,  riiid  in  tliis  pusition  move  tliein  quiclvly  jmst  the  chin  and 
nose.     ( Wied.) 

Ihiuji  tlie  extended  palm  (\¥)  to  tlie  ear  a  timr  or  two,  as  iC  fannint; 
the  ear.     {Comanche  I.) 

Heart. 

Same  as  the  sijjn  for  I,  ])ersonal  pronoun.  {Paknta  I.)  The  lieart  is 
seh'eted  as  the  seat  of  all  the  emotions. 

liad.    See  Bad  heart. 


(Jood.    See  fnuod  heart. 

Heat. 

Tlie  two  hands  raised  as  hifjli  as  the  head  and  l)eu;lin{f  forward  hori- 
zontally, with  the  i»oints  of   tlie   fingers  eurvinj;'  a  little  downward. 

(Ih-)ilKir.) 

(i)  lioth  hands,  i)alni  downward,  elevated  to  the  level  of  the  eyes  and 
e\tende<l  outward;  (2)  bronjiht  downward  with  a  rapid  motion,  half 
opened  while  descend in{>-.  Ueference  to  the  sun's  rays,  for  nu»re  ]»artic- 
ular  idea  ''it  feels  hot,"  rij;ht  hand  hehl  with  little  tinker  ajjainst  the 
part  affected  and  sif>n  for  Fire  made.     [Cheyenne  I.) 

Place  both  hands  over  the  head,  palms  down,  tinj;ers  pendent  and 
hangin}<;  downward  at  a  short  distance  from  the  foreliead.  (Kainira  I; 
Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  riiis  si-^n  if  made  a  little  lower 
and  in  front  of  the  face,  the  hands  also  beinj;'  lowered  and  raised  afiain 
several  times  quickly,  siy:nities  Raill.     "  Kays  of  \\\i\\i  and  heat." 

Heavy. 

Place  both  Hat  and  extended  hands  before  the  chest,  i)ointing  forward 
with  the  palm  u]»,  about  tour  inches  ajn  r-  "s  if  supporting  a  large  i)ody; 
then  move  them  simultaneously  upward  and  downward  about  two  or 
three  inches,  the  upward  motion  being  nuule  more  rapidly  than  the 
downward.     (Kaiotoal',    Comanche  III;  Apache  W;   Wichita  \\.) 

Point  at  an  imaginary  object;  seize  with  both  hands  and  lift  with 
great  effort;  also,  take  up  an  imaginaiy  object  in  one  hand  and  lift 
.slowly  two  or  three  feet  (Y).     {Apache  HI.) 

With  both  hands  clinched  (B),  anus  more  than  half  extended,  draw 
them  u])ward  in  front  of  the  ■  ody  from  the  level  of  the  abdomen  to  that 
of  the  face,  with  a  slow  and  more  or  less  interru])ted  movement,  as 
though  the  hands  seized  and  (ionveyed  ui)war<l  a  heavy  body ;  at  the 
sanu»,  time  the  eflort  is  denoted  by  contraction  of  the  facial  muscles 
{Dalvta  I.)     "  From  the  act  of  lifting  a  heavy  body."  > 


1 


■'!  ? 


m 


VS^ 


m 


'  ''  'i. 

'fWt\ 


■  i? 


140 

ll('l|l.  To  ilMMiMt. 

I>riii<;  i'ij;:lit  liiiiid  up  to  ri};:h^l)R>a.st,  t'orofiii^rcr  .straight  (J  in  upri;;lit 
position,  palm  on^) ;  tlic  left  to  tlic  left  Itrcast,  sanu' jiosition,  liands  aiioiit 
six  in(^lu's  ajtart.     Move  i)otli  forward.     {Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 

Only  by  others  coniin;;'  to  join  in  doiiiji'  some  8[)(^(!ial  work.  (Apuvlie 
III.)  ■ 

I'irst  commence  witii  tlu'  oikmi  ii<>lit  liand  (V)  bai-ic  outward,  i)oiutiii;i; 
obliciuely  ui)ward,  about  two  feet  from  tlie  rif^ht  side  of  tiu'  front  of  tlie 
body  and  draw  inward  nearly  to  tlie  body,  des(!ribiii}(  a  .series  of  circu- 
lar inovement.s,  tl.;'n  without  .stopjtinj;'  tlH^  movement  of  the  hand,  carry 
it  with  nuMlerate  force,  liack  upward,  horizontal,  linjicrs  extended, 
strai^iiit,  .joined,  etc.,  a^'ainst  the  palm  of  the  left  hand,  (inner  side  of 
th(^  riyht  index  strikinj;'  it),  which  is  held  horizontal,  ab(Mit  a  foot  in  front 
of  the  body,  with  liufiers  e:;tended,  straifiht,  joined,  etc.,  edj;e  downward, 
back  toward  the  rij;ht,  and  then  the  rif^ht  hand  is  carried  outward  from 
tlu!  b(»dy  by  a  series  of  cir'udar  movements  the  reveise  of  the  first 
movements  jjiven  above.     (/M/'vj'a  I.)     "Come  and  help  me." 

Here. 

Ui^iht  hand  closed,  list,  back  outward,  uprij;lit,  is  moved  ujtward  and 
downward  in  front  of  rij>ht  .side  of  body  from  the  level  of  the  breast  to 
that  of  the  top  of  the  head.  (Diikota  I.)  "It  is  ri{,dit  here;  at  the 
place." 

The  rif>lit  arm  is  flexed  toward  tlio  body,  and  tlie  hand  in  type- 
position  (A)  describes  a  (circle  before  the  breast.  The  sifjfii  continii- 
illy'  from  the  completion  of  the  circle,  the  hand  is  fully  opened  as  in  tyi>e- 
positioM  (S  1),  horizontal,  nndedjjes  beiiiy  held  upward  and  downward, 
and  made  to  sti'ike  the  {fround  forcibly.  [Oto  and  Mmouri  \.)  "On 
this  very  spot  of  earth." 

Only  by  pointiuj?,  as  to  fjfround  or  into  my  tent  as  I  sat  at  its  entrance, 
{Apache  III.) 

Where  we  .stand. 


Same  position  of  hand  as  Cireat  fliMtance,  and  point  down  directly 
in  front  to  the  feet  or  between  them  with  sudden  droiipiii};'  of  head  or 
quick  bow,  the  ey^s  folio wiiify  the  direction  of  the  hand  in  every 
instance.     (OJibirn  IV.) 


Slide,  To ;  Coneeal.    (Compare  Steal.) 

Place  the  hand  inside  the  clothing  of  the  left  breast, 
to  put  away  or  to  keep  secret.     (Jiurton.) 


This  means  also 


(1)  Sitfii  for  §teal ;  (2)  left  hand  flat,  i)alin  downward,  placed  near 
some  part  of  the  body ;  (.'{)  right-hand  fingers  hooked  ;  covered  by  left. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 


141 


r      '?,4l 


Tlic  left  liaiid  staticMiiii'.v  ahoiit  cijilit  iiiclics  in  front  of  Icift  broast, 
lioii/ontal,  hack  oiitvvarti,  (■)!;;(>  downward^  lin;:rr.s  clost'd,  an<l  tlicn  ])aHS 
til  li^lit  liaiitl,  with  linens  hooluMl,  hack  ol  iiand  outward,  cd;;*'  of 
Hiiu'  "■«  downward,  iiori/oiital,  (juickly  hotwccn  the  left  hand  :ind  the 
hod.\  to  the  left  side,  as  thonv'ii  passiii;;-  it  under  a  hianket  or  the  coat. 
Aithon;;h  not  identical  with  the  sI^mi  foi'  Stcalhtfi  this  si;;n  resend>leH 
it  verv  nnn^h,  and  it  is  used  to  denot«>  concealment  of  any  article 
from  view,  inneli  the  same  as  we  woidd  put  ont  of  M\f\\t  any  article  we 
did  not  wish  seen  for  any  leason  other  than  that  the  article  was  stolen. 
(Dahitii  I.)     "IMacin;;  it  out  of  sij,'ht." 


Hold  the  o|iened  left  liand,  palm  downward,  l!n|i>'ers  pointing*  toward 
th»'  ii;;ht  a  loot  or  eifihteen  inches  in  front  of  the  lower  part  of  the  ciiest, 
ami  ])ass  the  opened  t  i^lit  hand,  palm  downward,  over  it,  and  alun;;'  the 
forearm  to  the  ell)(»w  ;  then  close  both  Innnis  and  carry  the  rij-lit  tlst 
under  the  left  arm,  as  if  hiding;  it.     {IhiUotn  W .) 


(Irasp  the  foj-fflnj^ei'  of  the  rijtht  with  the  palm  of  tli«'  left.  Some- 
tinn's.  when  (h.'siriny  to  express  Theft  they  f^o  thntn^h  the  motion  of 
concealiiifi  sonn-thin;;'  under  their  blanket.     {Comonclie  1.) 

hciif  mute  niiliirtti  sij/ns. — First  h(»ld  the  open  left  hand  in  Iront  of  the 
body,  next  i>ass  slowly  the  oi>en  rifjht  hainl  beside  the  left,  and  at  the 
same  time  incline  the  head,  with  the  nH)nth  (ilosely  shut  and  the  eyes 
half  opened,  toward  the  left,  and  then  point  totlie  hidinjjplaee.  (Hanen- 
stah.) 

To  put  the  outstretched  hands  to};ether  toward  the  head.     {Larson.) 

To  incline  the  head  and  face  as   if  seeking'   some   i)lae(>  of  refufje. 

(Zeii/ler.) 

Secret,  secn'ted. 


Dcd/viute  iiiifiintl  nif/iis. — Having-  touched  the  lower  lip,  tlie  mouth 
oi)enin};'  and  shutting;'  alternately,  shake  your  head.     {Crotm.) 

Place  the  foretinj>'er  on  the  mouth,  at  the  same  time  moving  the  lips 
as  if  speakinji',  and  then  shake  the  head  as  if  to  say  "no."    (ZeigJer.) 

Hide,  Mkiii. 

SIkii  f*>i'  Animal ;  both  hands  closed,  palms  facing  but  not  touch- 
ing each  other;  quickly  but  slightly  drawn  apart.     (Cliei/enne  I.) 

Hi;$'ii.    See  Di^  in  the  sense  of  Hi^ii. 

Hill,  biiifi;  iiioiintiiin. 

A  clinched  hand  held  up  on  the  side  of  the  head,  at  the  distance  of  a 
foot  or  more  from  it.  To  signify  a  range  of  mountains,  hold  up  the  fin- 
gers of  the  left  hand  a  little  diverging  from  each  other.     (Lomj.) 


1  V.  iM 

iii 

■m 

''■■■J 

.'  'W 

0 

,  i 

■: '  1 

■ 

q^j' 


-:f':Mi 


11 


Ji 


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V'.: 


M 


IK: 


mj 


il' 


It  • 


142 

Closo  the  (liif,M'r  tijts  (tvcr  tlic  Ih'ikI  ;  if  a  inoniitiiiii  is  to  Im"  oxpn'sscil, 
raiHc  tluMii  lii;,'li.  T(»  dciiotc!  tin  iiMcciit  on  riMiiifi  (>rouii(l,  |hih.s  tlic  rijxlit 
))ii1iii  ov<>i'  tli*>  lt>t't  liiiiid.  Iiiilt'tloultliii};  up  tli«>  latter,  so  tlisit  it  looks  like 
a  lid^fe.     {liitrton.) 

Motli  liaiuls  oiitspreail  near  eaeli  (ttlier,  palms  downward,  and  elevated 
to  the  level  of  the  liuie;  broii^iht  downward  to  represent  the  slope  of  a 
liill,  the  motion  at  the  base  being  Nonunvlnit  more  rapi«l  than  at  tli(>  llrst 
part.     {('Iirj/ninv  1.) 

ITold  tiie  left  hand  clinched  at  some  distance  before  tlu'  face,  the 
knuckles  i»ointin{i'  upward,  representing  the  elevation  or  hill,  (hahotii 
VII.; 

(loing  over  a. 


First  make  the  sign  for  Hill  as  contained  in  .lloillltaill,  with  both 
hands  or  with  the  left  liand,  in  front  of  breast,  and  then  the  right  hand 
is  <lrawn  back  toward  the  body  (left,  representing  the  hill,  stationar.v)^ 
and  then  carried  outward  with  short.  Jerking  moticais  over  the  back  of 
tlie  left,  as  though  a  man  was  ridin,";  oi' walking  over  a  hill.  {Ptikotti  I.) 
"(Joing  over  a  hill  and  passing  out  of  view." 

Hold  the  left  hand  aluuit  a  foot  in  front  of  the  u|»per  part  of  the  chest, 
back  outward  and  forward,  and  pass  the  slightl\ -tlexed  right  hand  for- 
ward o\er  it,  about  twelve  in(!hes,  through  an  arc  beginning  two  or  tin" 
inches  behind  it,  back  ujjward,  the  lingers  at   lirst  pointing  a  littk'  ' 
war<l,  then  forward,  and  towanl  thelast  a  little  (h>wiiward.    [Dakota  Iv .; 

Peak. 


Place  tin'  left  tist,  with  the  knuckles  pointing  upwanl,  at  some  distance 
before  the  fa<!e.     ( Ute  1.) 

Clo.se  the  left  hand  loo.sely,  the  thumb  resting  upon  the  middle  joint 
of  the  forefinger,  palm  toward  the  face,  and  hold  it  as  high  a.s  the  .shoul- 
der.     (Ajtavlie  I.) 

Hoc;   Hoeing. 

Pantomime  of  haudle  by  extended  left  arm,  blade  by  adjtisted  right 
hand,  and  the  action  of  using  a  hoe.     (Apache  111.) 

Hoff. 

Right-hand  fi.st  (D,  turned  downward)  is  moved  around  in  various 
directions  below  the  level  of  the  body,  pointing  downward,  with  upward 
movements  in  imitation  of  the  hog's  manner  of  rooting  in  the  groun«l 
with  its  snout.     {Dal.-ntn  I.)     "  From  the  hog's  manner  of  eating." 

Both  hands  are  brought  to  the  sides  of  the  head  in  tyi)e-poaition  ("W), 
and  made  to  vibrate  to  and  from,  the  thick  of  hand  being  stationary.    The 


ri^lit  IiuimI  tlHMi  apitroiiclios  tli*^  iiioiilli,  iiii<l  is  iiia<l(>  lo  siiMtp  Miff«>,s- 
HJVfly  t'orwiirtl  tVoin  tlit>  iiioiitli,  in  iiiiitiitioii  of  tlir  iiiiiriiiil  itimviii^  tiic 
};r<)iiiMl.  {Olo  anil  Missouri  I.)  "A  liciiij:  witli  lar;,'*' ears  tliat  plows  up 
eartli  witli  its  nose." 

(1)  lliiiidoii  I'dfjf,  lorwanl  (T  on  tMln't')i  waved  \t'rti(rall.v  and  forward, 
sliort,  (piicii  motion;  (-')  Inind  nearly  extended,  tlnj^ers  {•atliered  to;;etlier 
(U,  nioru  loosely  and  beat  a  little),  and  jdaeed  in  front  of  the  niontii, 
tips  forward.  {Ajxtchv  III.)  "(Salt  of  aniiniii,  and  snont.  Tiie.  lirst 
part  of  the  si>;n  is  an  ideally  perfeet  re|>rodiietion  of  the  trot  of  the 
liaU'jiiown  porkurs  H(!avenj;iiif>'  the  apniey  riibbisli." 

IIoiK'mI,  lioil«'M|y.     (('onipare  Tl'lllll.) 

Hi^dit  hand  held  with  thinnb  inward  a;>'ainst  the  heart;  foretin^er 
extended,  knnckle  phieed  a;;ainsl  the  month;  tlirnst  straii^ht  forward 
and  outward  in  a  sli;iht  downwaid  enrve  to  e\|)ress  "strai;;ht  from  the 
heart."     (Chfifeinic  I.) 

An  honest  man. 

First  make  the  si^^n  for  .^ail  and  then  the  si;;n  for  'I'rillll.  This 
relates  to  YVi/r, /<•«//(,  in  speakinj;'.  //<• /«7/.v  no  lies.  It  is  sneh  a  rare 
ueenrrene(4  for  one  In<lian  to  steal  from  another  of  the  same  tribe,  that 
the  Sionx  have  no  separate  sit;ii  for  An  honest  mttn,  as  im|»lyiii}i  the 
opposite  of  Tliic/.     (Dakota  I.) 

Indieate  the  |>erson  with  the  index,  then  jdaee  both  hands,  Hat  and 
extended,  about  eif^hteen  inches  apart,  with  palms  faein};.  as  liif;h  as  the 
head,  and  move  them  eastward  to  arm's  lenjith.  (  Wi/antlot  I.)  "  Uni- 
form  fronj  head  to  foot,  or,  literally,  the  same  from  end  to  end." 

Indieate  object.  (I)  Grasp  toward  it  (P,  elosinji  more  and  prone); 
(2)  .si^n  of  nefjation;  (.J)  wave  the  hands  otf  forward  and  down  (<J). 
{Apache  III.)    "(1)  Takin<>';  (2)  no;  (.{)  leaves  it  where  it  is." 

First  point  tu  the  ])er.son,  then  make  si^n  for  Ciiood ;  then  phiee 
fist  of  left  hand  at  a  jtoint  in  front  of  body  (A.  1,  ehanf,^ed  to  left),  and 
make  a  pass  under  it  with  ri^^lit  hand,  as  tlionj;li  }^raspin}«'  somethiiifj 
and  ])idliiip:  it  away  from  where  it  belonjis,  tinkers  and  tlnunb  naturally 
relaxed  at  tirst  (Y  1,  palm  down),  but  before  the  return  movement  is 
made  the  tin};ers  and  thumb  are  closed  (A  2,  palm  inward),  as  thoufjh 
laying-  hold  of  soniethinf>';  then  the  linal  motion  is  nuikinji  the  si;,ni  of 
TVe^'alion,  i^ot.  [ISahajithi  I.)  "  lie  is  a  good  man;  will  steal  noth- 
ing at  all." 

Horror. 

The  palm  of  tlie  right  hand  (W  2)  laid  over  the  numth,  and  at  the 
same  time  the  sign  for  SiirpriMe  is  made  by  drawing  the  head  and 
body  backward.     1  have  seen  a  few  Indians  use  both  hands  in  making 


-i:; 
•^ 


i'-' 


••'5' 


■Siestmrnaamilj 


m^ 


this  -siyii,  layiiijjf  ono  over  the,  otiier  crosswise,  thus  +,  covering  tVe 
inoiitli.  One  of  these  signs  would  be  iiseil  sis  above  if  an  India:)  waliv- 
ing  along  should  unexpectedly  see  the  body  of  a  dead  person  lying  on 
the  ground,  when  the  sign  for  ISurpriNe  would  be  made  simultaneously 
as  expressing  his  emotions.  Uue  of  the  rtigns  would  also  be  used  by  a 
l)erson  on  hearing  of  an  unexpected  death;  and  I  bu.lieve  it  was  some 
occurrence  of  this  kind  tl\at  misled  the  Prince  of  VVied-Neuwied  and 
caused  him  to  givt^  '■.ubstantially  the  second  sign  above  as  the  one  for 
I>e(t(i,  Douih.     [IHihAal.) 

Horwe. 

Th*  light  hand  witii  the  edge  (lownwar<l,  the  lingers  joined,  the 
thnmb  recumbent,  extended  forward.     {Punhar.) 

Place  the  index  and  third  finger  of  the  right  hand  astraddle  the 
index  hiiger  of  the  left.  (  Wied.)  By  the  "  third ''  he  means  the  "  middle  " 
finger,  as  appears  iii  another  connection.  He  counts  the  thumb  as  the 
first. — Eli.  r  have  ilescribed  this  sign  in  words  to  the  same  ett'ect. 
(Mittthcwi.)  'l\w  right  arm  is  raised  and  the  hand,  opened  edgewise, 
will!  lingers  i»iirallel  and  approximated,  is  drawn  from  left  to  right  before 
the  body  at  the  supposed  height  of  the  anim;il.  There  is  no  conceiva- 
able  identity  in  the  execution  of  this  sign  and  iVicfPn,  but  the  sign  for 
Hoi'fie  by  the  Prince  of  Wied  is  nearly  identical  with  the  sign  for  Ride 
a  Horwe  among  the  Otos.     (liotcler.) 


f 

''    ■         1 

i 

r 

,  ^ 

L 

1      ^              :| 

'         1 

1                                s 

■fei-v,il 

lis  U:     '           h 

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j      •  •                        k 

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■J 

' 

'^ 

j 

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i 

t 

Left-hand  thumb  and  forefinger  straightened  out,  held  to  the  level  of 
and  in  front  f  the  breatt;  right-hand  forertnger  separated  from  the 
middle  linger  and  thrown  across  the  left  hand  to  imitate  the  act  of 
bestritUUf;  They  appear  to  have  no  other  conception  of  a  horse,  and 
have  thus  iudic^ated  that  they  have  known  it  only  as  an  animal  to  be 
ridden.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

A  hand  passed  across  the  forehead.     {Macgowan.) 

Draw  the  light  hand  from  left  to  right  across  the  body  about  the 
heait,  the  fingers  all  closed  excei)t  i!'«  index.  {Dodge.)  This  probably 
refers  to  ti»e  giilh.  It  has  a  resemblance  to  l>iifto)i'H  sign  for  Dog'^  and 
is  easily  confounded  with  his  ni^u  i'oi-  'tliiiik,  fiTileMf>i. 

Place  the  first  two  lingers  of  the  right  hand,  thumb  extended  {X  1), 
downwaui,  astraddle  the  first  two  joined  and  straight  fingers  of  the 
left  hand  (T  1),  sidewise  to  the  right.  Many  Sioux  Indians  use  only  tbo 
forefinger  straightened.     {Dakota  I.)     "  Horse  mounted." 

The  first  and  second  fingers  extended  and  separated,  remaining  fingjrs 
and  thumb  closed ;  left  forefinger  extended,  horizontal,  remaining  fingers 


145 

and  thumb  closed  ;  i>lace  the  rifiht-haiid  flugeivs  astiide  of  tlie  Ibrelinger 
of  the  left,  and  both  hands  jerked  together,  up  and  uo'.vu,  to  represent 
the  motion  of  a  horse.     {DakoM  III.) 

The  two  hands  being  clinched  and  near  together,  palms  downward, 
thuud)s  against  the  forelingers,  throw  them,  each  alternately,  forward 
and  backward  about  a  foot,  througii  an  ellipsis  two  or  three  times,  from 
about  six  inches  in  front  of  the  chest,  to  imitate  the  galloping  of  ahorse, 
or  the  hands  nmy  be  hehl  forward  and  not  moved.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Place  the  extended  and  separated  index  and  second  fingers  of  the 
right  hand  astraddle  of  the  extended  forefinger  of  the  left.  {Dakota  VI, 
VII ;  Uulatsa  I ;  Arikara  I.) 

The  left  hand  is  placed  before  the  chest,  back  upward,  in  the  position 
of  an  index-hand  pointing  forward;  then  the  first  and  second  fingers 
of  the  right  hand  (oiily)  being  extended,  separated,  and  pointing  down- 
ward, are  set  one  on  each  side  of  the  left  forefinger,  the  inter-digital 
space  resting  on  the  forefinger.  The  i)alm  faces  downward  and  ba<!k- 
ward.  This  rei)resents  a  rider  astride  of  a  horse.   {Mandan  and  HUlatsa  I.) 

Close  hands,  except  forefingers,  which  are  curved  downward;  move 
them  forward  in  rotation,  imitating  the  fore  feet  of  the  horse,  and  make 
putting  sound  of  "  LTh,  uh!"  {Omaha  I.)  "This  sign  represents  the 
horse  racing  off  to  a  safe  distance,  then  i)uffs  as  he  tosses  his  head." 

The  arm  is  tlexed  and  with  the  haml  extended  is  brought  on  a  level 
with  the  mouth.  The  hand  then  assumes  the  position  (W  1),  modified 
by  being  held  edges  up  and  down,  ])alni  toward  the  chest,  instead  of 
flat.  The  arm  and  hand  being  held  thus  about  the  usual  lieight  of  a 
hoise  are  made  to  pass  in  an  undulating  manner  across  the  faceor  bodj"^ 
about  om^  foot  «listant  from  contact.  The  latter  movements  are  to  re- 
semble the  animal's  gait.  {Oto  I.)  "  Height  of  animal  and  movement 
of  same," 

The  index  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  are  placed  astraddle 
the  extended  forefinger  of  the  left,     ( Wyandot  I.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  flat,  extended,  with  fingers  joined,  lay  the  thumb 
inward  against  the  palm,  then  p'ss  the  hand  at  arm's  length  before  the 
face  from  left  to  right.   {Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III;  Apache  1 1 ;  ir/t7/  ita  1 1.) 

Another:  Place  the  extended  and  separated  index  and  second  tingers 
astraddle  the  extended  and  horizontal  forefinger  of  the  left  hand.  (/i«j- 
owal;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita U.)  "  This  sign  is  only  used 
communicating  with  uninstructed  white  men,  or  with  other  Indians  when 
whose  sign  for  Horse  is  specifically  distinct." 
19 


Wi 


m 


;i  1 

■■  ■ 

4  M 

i  'iH'  ' 

I 
1 

■ 

'ill 


'J  ^ 


Ifl 


LSI: 


1    ! 


146 

Place  the  right  hand,  pahn  down,  before  the  right  side  of  the  chest; 
place  the  tips  of  the  second  and  third  lingers  against  the  ball  of  the 
thumb,  allowing  the  index  and  little  fingers  to  project  to  represent  the 
ears.  Frequently  the  middle  fingers  extend  equally  with  and  against  the 
thumb,  forming  the  head  of  the  animal,  the  ears  always  being  representetl 
by  the  two  outer  fingers,  viz.,  the  index  and  little  finger.    ( Ute  I.) 

Elevate  the  right  hand,  extended,  with  fingers  joined,  outer  edge 
toward  the  ground,  in  front  of  the  body  or  right  shoulder,  and  pointing 
forward^  resting  the  curved  thumb  against  the  piilmar  sideof  1|ie  index. 
{Apache  I.)  "  Tliissign  appears  also  to  signify  Animal  generically,  being 
frequently  employed  as  a  preliminary  sign  when  denoting  other  species." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sitjm, — Imitate  the  motion  of  the  elbows  of  a  man 
on  horseback.     {Ballard.) 

Act  in  the  manner  of  a  driver,  holding  the  lines  in  his  hands  and 
shouting  to  the  horse.     {Cross.) 

Move  the  hantls  sex  eral  times  as  if  to  hold  tlie  reins.     {Larson.) 

Our  instructed  deaf-mutes  indicate  tlie  ears,  followed  by  straddling 
the  left  hand  by  the  fore  and  middle  fingers  of  the  riglit.  The  French 
deaf-muies  add  to  the  straddling  of  the  index  the  motion  of  a  trot, 

A  man  on  a. 


Same  sign  as  for  Horwe,  witli  the  addition  of  erecting  the  thumb 
while  making  the  gesture.    {Dodge.) 

Bay. 


Make  the  sign  for  Hori^iC,  and  tlien  rub  the  lower  part  of  the  cheek 
back  and  forth.     {Dakota  IV.) 

IJlack. 


j\Iake  the  sign  for  Horiiie,  and  then  point  to  a  black  object  or  rub 
the  back  of  the  left  hand  with  the  palm  of  the  fingers  of  the  right. 
{Dakota  IV.) 

JJronco.     An  untamed  horso. 


Make  the  sign  To  ride,  then  with  both  hands  retained  in  their  rela- 
tive positions,  move  them  forward  in  high  arches  to  show  the  bucking 
of  the  animal.    ( Ute  I.) 


Grazing  of  a. 

Make  tlie  sign  for  Hor^e,  then  lower  the  hand  and  pass  it  from  side 
to  side  as  if  dipping  it  upon  the  surface.    {Ut€  I.) 


147 


Packing  a. 


Hold  the  left  hand,  pointing  forward,  palm  inward,  a  foot  in  front  of 
the  chest  and  lay  the  opened  riglit  hand,  pointing  forward,  tirst  obliquely 
along  the  right  side  of  the  upper  edge  of  the  left  hand,  then  on  top,  and 
then  obliquely  along  the  left  side.    {Dakota  IV.) 

Kacer,  fast  horse,  etc. 


The  right  arm  is  elevated  and  bent  at  right  angle  before  the  face;  the 
hand,  in  position  (S  1)  modified  by  being  horizontal,  palm  to  the  face, 
is  drawn  iicross  edgewise  in  front  of  the  fiice.  The  hand  is  then  closed 
and  in  position  (O)  approaches  the  mouth  from  whicii  it  is  opened  aiul 
closed  successively  forward  several  times,  finally  it  is  suddenly  thrust 
out  in  position  ("W  1 )  back  concave.  ( Oto  and  Missotiri.)  "  Is  expressed 
in  the  first  sign  for  Horwe,  then  the  motion  for  (piick  running." 

Itacing. 


Extend  the  two  forefingers  and  after  placing  them  parallel  near 
together  in  front  of  the  chest,  backs  upward,  push  them  rapidly  for- 
ward about  a  foot.    (Dakota  lY.) 

Place  both  hands,  with  the  forefingers  only  extended  and  pointing 
forward  side  by  side  with  the  i)alms  down,  before  the  body;  then  push 
them  alternately  backward  and  forward,  in  imitation  of  the  movement 
of  horses  who  are  running  "lu'ck  and  neck."     {Ute  I ;  Apache  I,  II.) 

Saddling  a. 

Hold  the  left  hand  as  in  the  sign  for  Horwe,  Packing:  a,  and  lay 
the  senu-rtexed  right  hand  across  its  upper  edge  two  or  three  times,  the 
juds  of  the  rigiit  fingers  toward  the  left.     (Dakota  IV.) 

S[)otted ;  pied. 


Make  the  sign  for  HorMf,  LIj«>u  the  sign  for  Spotted.     ( Dakota  IV.) 

Hoi'Mvbaek,  To  ride. 

Make  the  sign  for  Horsne,  with  the  dirtcrence  tha;  liand  «'xteud8 
farther  and  the  gesture  is  made  cpiickly.     ( Wied.) 

Separate  the  fore  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right  liand,  over  the  fin- 
gers of  the  left  extended  and  joined,  both  palms  t«'«;ird  the  body,  the 
forefinger  of  the  right  along  the  back  of  the  left  hand.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Place  the  fore  ami  middle  fingers  across  the  forefiiigei'  of  left  hand, 
both  advanced  in  front  of  breast,  both  hands  advatuin  dotions  as  if 
riding,  by  up  and  down  nu>tions  on  finger  and  left  li.i  (Ojibwa  IV.) 

Place  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand  (PIT  with  thumb  resting 
on  third  finger)  astraddle  the  two  joined  (many  Sioux  use  only  the  fore- 


%:«■ 


I'li 


I 


41 


4 

ma 

1  ;• 


148 


finger  straightened)  and  straight  first  finger  of  the  leti  (T  1);  then 
make  several  short  arched  movements  forward  with  liands  so  joineil. 
(Dakota  I.)    "  The  liorae  mounted  and  in  motion." 

Double  the  fists  and  make  a  succession  of  plunging  motions,  alter- 
nately with  either  hand,  forward  and  downward  in  imitation  of  the 
motion  of  a  horse's  forefeet  in  trotting  or  galloping.  The  sign  of  strad- 
dling the  fingers  for  ruliiuf  is  also  in  use  among  the  Sioux,  l>ut  is  not 
so  common  as  the  above.     (Dakota  II.) 

Extend  and  si)read  the  right  fore  and  middle  fingers  and  place  them, 
thei:  ends  jtoiuting  directly  downward,  astride  the  fingers  of  the  left 
hand;  the  little  and  ring  fingers  of  the  right  hand  to  be  semi-flexed, 
thuulv  against  index;  the  radial  side  of  the  left  hand  to  be  upward,  fin- 
gers extended  and  joined,  pointing  forward,  thumb  in  palm,  the" 
iaise  and  lower  the  end  of  the  left  hand  several  times.  This  sign  is 
also  used  for  Horse  when  the  hands  aio  kept  still.    (Dakota  IV.) 

Exti^nd  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  left  hand  before  the  body,  then 
straddlt  the  fore  aiul  second  Hngers  of  the  right  hand  across  those  of 
the  left;  in  this  position,  niake  a  series  of  short  jumps  or  jerks  from  left 
to  right,  imitating  the  gallop  of  a  horse.     (Dakota  V.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Hor^e,  and  as  the  hands  are  retained  in  this 
position,  move  them  forwjird  in  short  curves  to  represent  motion  of 
riding.     (Ihtkofa  VI;  Hidatsa  I;  Arikara  I.) 

The  hands  are  arranged  as  in  tlie  sign  for  Horwe,  and  then  moved 
forward.  (Hidatm  I.)  This  indicates  in  a  general  way  a  journey  on 
horseback  ;  but  ditt'erent  modes  of  riding  may  be  shown  by  approi)riate 
modifications  of  this  sign,  thus:  a  slow  journey  is  shown  by  moving  the 
hands  slowly  forward,  a  race  by  moving  them  rajridly,  a  gallop  by  mov- 
ing them  in  a  series  of  small  arcs  whose  convexity  is  upward,  a  jog-trot 
by  moving  them  in  a  series  of  small  angles  witii  a  slight  arrest  of  n,ot'.on 
between  eacli  angle,  etc. 

Left  hand  rei)resents  the  horse,  forefinger  held  up  a  little  from  the 
other  fingers.  Kight  forefinger  and  middle  finger  astride  left  forefinger ; 
right  thuml)  curved  ui)ward  nn  left     I'  left  forefinger.     (Omaha  I.) 

Place  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand  astride  the  left  hand,  and 
move  both  forwanl.     (Jrot/uois  I.) 

Place  the  hands  as  in  the  sign  for  Horwe,  and  move  them  forward 
in  short  interrupted  arched  curves.     (  Wyandot  I.) 

Throw  the  iiulex  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right  hand  astraddle  the 
forefinger  of  the  left.     (Sahaptin  I.) 


!it:(-i 


149 

Place  the  extended  and  separated  index  and  second  fingers  of  the 
right  hand  across  the  extended  forefinger  of  tlie  left,  back  of  the  hand 
forward.     {Pai-  Ute  I.) 

The  index  and  second  linger  of  the  right  hand  alone  extended  and 
separated,  i)laced  astrmldle  the  extended  •oiettnger  of  the  left,  the 
palm  of  the  right  hand  facing  the  back  of  the  left  hand.     {Apache  I.) 

Hot,  Hot  weather.    (Co]n])are  Heat.) 

Hands  at  the  height  of  the  head  or  sometimes  over  it,  horizontal,  tlat, 
with  fingers  and  thnmbs  extended,  separsited,  i)ointing  toward  the  front, 
palm  of  hands  down  (W),  make  a  slight  trennilons  motion  with  the 
fingers,  withont  movin;""  the  hand.  Sign  is  also  often  made  with  the 
extended  fingers  pointing  toward  each  other.  (DaJiOtal.)  "Glimmer 
during  hot  weather.  lleHection  sind  refraction  through  the  atmosjthere 
often  seen  during  hot  weather." 

Hour,  Time  of  day.    (Compare  Day.) 

To  indicate  any  particular  time  of  day,  the  hand  with  the  sign  of  the 
sun  is  stretched  out  toward  the  eastern  horizon,  and  then  gradually 
elevated  until  it  arrives  in  the  proper  direction  to  indicate  the  part  of 
the  heavens  in  which  the  sun  will  be  at  tlie  given  time.     {Lorn/.) 

Forefinger  of  right  hand,  crooked  as  in  sign  for  !?Ioi*ninj;',  made  to 
d''scribe  an  arc  over  the  head  from  east  to  west,  being  stopped  at  any 
point  in  tise  arc  according  to  the  time  of  morning  or  evening.  {Chey- 
enne I.) 

Indi(!ate  the  spot  at  which  the  sun  stood  wiien  the  event  to  which 
they  are  alluding  occurred.  Point  fixedly  to  that  point  and  hold  the 
arm  in  that  ])ositioii  for  several  moments.     {Ojihica  I.) 

Curve  the  index  of  the  (^osed  right  hand  in  the  form  of  a  half  circle; 
move  it  from  the  eastern  horizon,  following  the  course  of  the  sun,  and 
allowing  it  to  rest  at  the  ])ositioo  occ;i[)ied  by  that  body  at  the  time  to 
be  indicated.    {Dalota  V.) 

The  sign  for  $$iin  being  nnule,  the  hand  is  held  in  the  direction  of 
the  place  which  the  sun  would  o(^cui>y  at  the  time  to  be  indicated,  or  the 
hand  is  made  to  describe  an  arc  corres|)oiuling  to  the  (!Ourse  of  the  sun 
during  the  lapse  of  time  referred  to.  Tluis  the  forenoon  is  shown  bj' 
stretching  the  hand  (in  position  of  sign  for  sun)  toward  the  horizon,  and 
,  then  slowly  sweeping  it  up  toward  the  zenith  ;  the  afternoon  is  shown 
by  a  reverse  motion ;  noon,  by  holding  the  hand  toward  the  zenith. 
{Hidatsa  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Indicated  by  striking  the  air  with  the  fore- 
finger, signifying  the  stroke  of  the  clock.     {Ballard.) 


■VA 


:vl'-»: 


m\ 


■i  mt' 


ii' 


II 


1*^ 

I 


«1i 


I 


It; 


150 

Move  the  forefinger  in  a  circle,  indicating  the  motion  of  the  minute- 
hand,  and  then  indicate  the  number  of  hours.     {Hasenstab.) 

HoiiMC.    (Compare  Ijodge,) 

The  hand  hjilf  open  and  the  forefinger  extended  and  separated  ;  then 
raise  the  hand  upward  and  give  it  a  half  turn,  as  if  screwing  some- 
thing.    (Dunbar.) 

Partly  fold  the  hands,  the  fingers  extended  in  imitation  of  the  corner 
of  an  ordinary  log-house.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Both  hands  outspread  near  each  other,  elevated  to  front  of  face ;  sud- 
denly separated,  turned  at  right  angles,  palms  facing ;  brought  down  at 
right  angles,  suddenly  stopped.  Representing  scpiax'c  form  of  a  house. 
{Cheyenne  I.) 

The  fingers  of  both  hands  extended  and  slightly  separated,  then  those 
•.."the  right  sire  placed  into  the  several  spaces  between  those  of  the  left, 
the  tips  extending  to  about  the  first  joints.  {Abmroka  I.)  "  From  the 
arrangement  of  the  logs  in  a  log  building." 

Cross  the  ends  of  the  extended  fingers  of  the  two  hands,  the  hands  to 
be  nearly  at  right  angle,  radial  side  up,  palms  inward,  thumbs  in  palms. 
( Dakota  IV.)     "  Kepresents  the  logs  at  the  end  of  a  log-house." 

Both  hands  extended,  fingers  spread,  place  those  of  the  right  into  the 
spaces  between  those  of  the  left,  then  uiove  the  hands  in  this  position  a 
short  distance  upward.  ( Wyandot  1.)  "Arrangenumt  of  logs  and  ele- 
vation." 

Both  hands  are  held  edgewise  before  the  body,  palms  facing,  spread 
the  fingers,  and  place  those  of  one  hand  into  the  spaces  between  those 
of  the  left,  so  that  the  tips  of  each  protrude  about  an  inch  beyond. 
{Hidatsal;  Kaioical;  Ankara  1;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  11;  Wichita 
II.)  "The  arrangement  of  logs  in  a  frontier  house."  In  ordinary  con- 
versation the  sign  for  white  man^s  house  is  often  dropped,  using  instead  the 
generic  term  emi)loyed  for  lodge,  and  this  in  turn  is  often  sibbreviated, 
as  by  the  Kaiowas,  Comanches,  Wichitas,  and  others,  by  merely  placing 
the  tips  of  the  extended  forefingers  together,  leaving  the  other  fingers 
and  thumbs  closed,  with  the  wrists  about  three  or  four  niches  apart. 

Both  hands  held  pointing  forward,  edges  down,  fingers  extended,  and 
slightly  separated,  then  place  the  fingers  of  one  hand  into  the  spaces 
between  the  fingers  ot  the  other,  allowing  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  either 
hand  to  protrude  as  far  as  the  first  joint,  or  near  it.  {Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.)  "  From  the  appearance  of  a  corner  of  a  log-house — protruding 
and  alternate  layers  of  logs." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Draw  the  outlines  of  a  house  in  the  air. 
(Ballard.) 


■in 


151 

Put  the  open  hands  together  toward  the  face,  forming  a  right  angle 
with  the  arms.    (Larson.) 

Going  into  a. 

Hold  the  open  left  hand  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the 
breast,  palm  downward  or  backward,  fingers  pointing  toward  the  right, 
and  pass  the  right  hand,  palm  npward,  fingers  bent  sidewise  and 
jwinting  backward,  from  before  backward  underneath  it,  througli  a 
cnrve  until  near  the  mouth.  Some  at  the  same  time  move  the  left  hand 
a  little  forward.    (Dakota  IV.) 

Going  out  of  a. 


Hold  the  open  left  hand  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  the  breast, 
palm  downward  or  backward,  fingers  pointing  toward  the  right,  aiul 
pass  the  right  with  index  extended,  or  all  of  the  fingers  extended,  and 
pointing  forward,  about  eighteen  inches  f«)rward  underneath  the  left 
through  an  arc  froui  near  the  mouth.  Some  at  the  same  time  move  the 
left  hand  toward  the  breast.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Stone,  Fort. 


Strike  the  back  of  the  right  fist  against  the  palm  of  the  left  liand, 
the  left  palm  backward  the  fistuprig'.if  (idea  of  resistance  or  strengtli) ; 
then  with  botli  hands  v>pened,  relaxed,  horizontal,  and  palms  back- 
ward, place  the  ends  of  the  right  ♦'ngors  behind  and  against  the  ends 
of  the  left;  then  separate  them,  and  moving  them  backward,  each 
through  a  semicircle,  bring  their  bases  together.  (Dakota  IV.)  "An 
inclosure." 

Humble  or  meek. 

Express  by  bent  body,  the  right  hand  holding  the  mouth,  or  over  it, 
the  hands  also  sometimes  blackened.    (Ojibwa  IV.) 

First  njake  the  sign  for  Poor,  in  property,  and  then  the  ex- 
tended forefinger  of  both  hands  (others  closed),  pointing  upright  (J), 
with  backs  inward,  are  carried  straight  outward  from  about  a  foot  in 
front  of  their  respective  eyes  as  far  as  the  arras  can  be  extended.  (Da- 
kota 1.)  ^'' Closely  related  to  poor  in  property  ;  and  possibly  means  not 
seeing  anything  belonging  to  the  person." 


Hungary. 

A  sawing  of  the  breast. 


(Macgoican.) 


Touch  the  epigastrium  with  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  and 
then  opening  the  mouth  point  down  the  throat  with  the  same  finger. 
(Dakota  II.)  "  The  first  motion  indicates  the  emptiness  of  the  stomach 
and  the  second  the  mode  of  remedying  it." 


11 


i: 

i 

m 

"■":i '  ■' 


n 


if ,  -1 


I. 


■  n 

I 

li'iU 


152 

The  arm  is  Hoxt'd  ut  the  elbow,  the  hand  collected  into  sliape  of  a 
8poo]i,  tin^f^ers  and  thumbs  approximated  and  tbrmin;;  a  hollow  in  the 
iiand,  not  (■h)sed  at  points.  With  the  ]>alm  U]>,  the  hand  is  then  drawn 
edgewise  across  tiie  epigastrium  twice.  (Oto  \.)  "Am  empty  or  ex- 
hausted." 

Anotlier:  The  arm  is  Hexed  and  tiie  hand  brought  to  the  pit  of 
stQuiach,  as  in  ]>ositi(ni  (^ii  1),  inodihed  by  being  hori  ontal  and  the  back 
conclave  outward.  The  hand  is  tluui  passed  seniicircularly  «lownward 
and  outward  from  tlie  abdomen.    (Oto  I.)     *•  IIolh)wed  out  or  empty." 

Pass  th«*  outer  edge  of  tlie  tiat  right  liand  across  the  epigastrium 
witli  a  sawing  motion.  {Kaioirn  I;  Comancho  III ;  Aixwhell;  Wichita 
II.)     "Tiie  craving  of  an  empty  stomacli." 

lioth  hands  placed  near  t(»gether  in  front  of  stomach,  lingers  pointing 
toward  the  body,  then  each  hand  (piickly  Jerked  aside  as  though  tearing 
something  ai>art.     (iSdlKiptin  1.) 

Place  the  Hat  right  hand  transversely  to  the  pit  of  the  stomach  accom- 
panied by  an  expression  of  weariness.     {Apuchc  I.) 

Italian  nigii. — Tap  the  side  with  the  open  hand.     [Butler.) 

Iliiiitiii^  or  ••ieareliin^  t'oi*. 

The  forefinger  is  brought  near  the  eye  aiul  placed  in  the  attitude  of 
pointing;  it  is  then  waggt'd  from  side  to  side,  the  eye  following  its 
devious  motion,  and  seeming  to  look  in  the  direction  indicated.  Home- 
times  the  hand  is  extended  far  before  the  eye,  and  the  same  motion  is 
given  to  the  finger.     [Loih/.) 

Kight  forefinger  extended  (others  closed)  ^.,1),  is  carried  outward 
from  the  right  eye,  with  considerable  up-and  down  and  right-audleft 
movements,  as  though  searching  for  something  lost,  the  eyes  following 
the  course  of  the  finger.  {Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  act  of  hunting  or 
searching  for  anything." 

With  the  iiulex  (or  index  and  second  fingers  separated)  only  extended, 
place  the  hand  nearly  at  arm's  length  before  the  face,  the  finger  point- 
ing slightly  above  the  horizon ;  move  it  from  side  to  side,  with  the  eyes 
intently  following  the  movement.    (Dakota  VII;   Ute  I.) 

The  hand  is  held  as  in  the  sign  for  See,  and  is  then  moved  forward 
with  a  laterally  zigzag  motion.     (Eidatsa  I.) 

With  the  right  hand  extended  at  arm's  length,  palm  down,  fingers 
pointing  to  the  front  and  slightly  above  the  horizon,  move  it  horizontally 
from  side  to  side,  allowing  the  eyes  to  follow  the  motion,  with  an  expres- 
sion of  inquiry.    (Apache  I.) 


153 

Deaf-mutt!  nutural  Kiffnn. — Knit  the  eyebrows  •tiid  move  the  lieiul  in 
(lirt'ereiit  direetions,  bending  the  eye  upon  vacji'icy.     (liatlard.) 

IJiinfj  yonr  head  forward  a  little  and  change  your  look,  .showing  that 
yon  are  looking  around  for  something  not  yet  found.     (Crosx.) 

Another:  Having  touched  the  eyelid,  i.iove  horizontally  the  iinger. 
with  an  expression  of  hunting  for  sjinethin,'.     {(JroHH.) 

Place  the  forefinger  on  the  eye;  at  the  sane  time  incline  the  head 
as  if  hunting  for  something.     (Zi-iffh'r.) 

For  game. 

Same  as  the  sign  Hunting  for.  This  is  a  general  sign,  and  if 
hunting  for  a  i)artieular  kind  of  game  it  nuist  be  si)e(!itied  by  its  i>roper 
sign,  as  deer,  antelope,  buffalo,  etc.  {Dakota  I.)  "  J-'rom  tlie  act  of  .seek- 
ing, .searching." 

Hiirrjk. 

Close  the  right-hand,  index  extended  and  elevated,  jminting  upward, 
back  of  hand  forward,  and  beckon  by  drawing  the  hand  toward  tiie 
body  .several  times  excitedly.     [Omaha  I.) 

Place  the  hands,  palms  up,  near  the  stonuuih  ami  in  front  of  it,  then 
make  an  up-and-down  motion  as  if  tossing  a  large  light  body  a  short 
distance.  {Kaioira  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  11;  Wichita  II.)  "Evi- 
dently from  the  movement  of  the  stonuich  .sometimes  experienced  when 
running." 

Hiiwband.    (Compare  Coiiipaiiioii;   j^aiiie;   iHarried.) 

The  two  forefing(U's  are  extended  and  placed  togetlier  with  their 
backs  upward.    This  sign  is  aLso  used  for  Companion.     [Lomj.) 

^lake  the  sign  in  front  of  the  privates  for  Iflan,  and  then  move  the 
right  fist,  l)ack  (mtwiird,  forward  a  foot  or  eighteen  inches  from  six 
inches  in  front  of  the  navel.     {Dakota  IV. ^     "  Man  I  have." 

■  And  Wife. 

The  same  sign  frecpiently  u.sed  for  both:  Lay  the  two  forefingers 
together,  side  by  side,  straight  and  pointing  forward,  the  other  fingers 
loosely  closed.     {Dakota  IV.)     "Two  joined  as  one." 

Or  Wife. 


Extend  the  forefingers  of  each  hand  and  bring  them  together  side  by 
side  in  front  of  the  breast  and  a  foot  therefrom.    {Comanche  I.) 

I,  me,  myself. 

The  fingers  of  the  right  hand  laid  against  the  breast.    {Dunbar.) 
20 


II 


11': 

m 


■ill 


mw<\ 


'Ir- 


■ts3i 


fl  I* 


»i 


liili 


,'   ! 


lu-\ 


154 

The  <'liiicluMl  liaiid  Htrnck  pcntly,  and  witli  a  <inick  motion,  two  or 
three  times  upon  tlie  breast.  Or,  tlie  tlngerH  bronglit  togetiier  are 
phiced  perpendicuhirly  upon  the  breast.     {I'Oikj.) 

Touch  the  nose-tip,  or  otiierwise  indicate  self  with  the  in(h'x.  (/?«»•• 
ton.) 

Touch  or  otherwise  indicate  one's  self.     [Araimho  I.) 

liifi'iit-hand:  Hnfjers  droopiii};',  fcnefiufjer  sei)arated  from  the  otiier.s, 
tientl.v  tou(!lu'<l  once  or  twi(;e  to  the  rifjht  breast.     {('Iiei/ciiiiv  I.) 

The  finj-ers  of  the  riyht  hand  are  collected  to  a  point,  the  thumb 
lyinp:  apainst  the  palms  of  the  lingers,  then  brinj^'  the  han<l,  pointing' 
upward,  slowly  toward  the  breast.  Also  used  t()  express  to  mc.  (Ahsa- 
roka  I;  Nlioshoni  and  liatKilc  I.) 

Ki}j;iit  hand  (S  1)  thuiub  and  liii};ers  extended  horizontal,  bacjk  out- 
ward, ta])ping-  the  left  breast.  When  the  {?esturer  desires  to  be  very 
emphatic,  the  clinched  ri^ht  hand  is  struck  repeatedly  against  the  right 
breast.     [Dakota  I.)     (Compare  Heart,  J>«A'o/rt  i.) 

Touch  the  end  of  the  nose  with  the  radial  side  of  the  right  forefinger, 
the  forefinger  jxtinting  ui)ward.     [Dakota  IV.) 

Place  the  extended  index  against  the  middle  or  upper  portion  of  the 
breast.     [Dakota  \\\.) 

Touch  the  middle  of  the  breast  with  the  index.    [Hhlatm  I;  Arikara  I.) 

Strike  the  left  breast  with  index-finger  of  right  hand,  the  other 
fingers  being  closed.     [Omaha  I.) 

With  the  right  hand  arched,  so  that  the  thumb  rests  along  the  side  of 
the  index,  place  the  inner  side  of  the  hand  against  the  breast,  with  the 
fingers  pointing  downward.  [Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

Another:  Place  the  index  or  the  ends  of  the  extended  fingers  against 
the  breast.     [Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II ;   Wichita  II.) 

Place  the  index  npon  the  breast  rather  (piickly.  If  this  gesture  is 
made  slowly,  and  when  in  connection  with  other  signs  of  a  narrative, 
or  preceding  the  expression  of  want,  or  desire,  it  expresses  to  me.  [Pai- 
ne I.) 

Sweep  the  hand  up  the  body  and  raise  the  right  forefinger  up  with 
vigor  Just  before  face.    (Apache  III.) 

Deaf-m,ute  natural  «i</H8.— Indicated  by  pointing  to  one's  selt^— to  the 
person  speaking.    [Ballard.) 


156 

Itest  tlic  tip  of  the  forofliiger  upon  the  brujistbone,  and  at  the  saine 
time  nod  the  hoiul.    (Ilanenstab,) 

Put  the  I'ifjht  foroHnjjfer  on  tlie  breast.     (Zei^lcr.) 

Some  deaf-niute.s  ]>ush  tlie  t'oretinfjer  ajjainst  the  i)it  of  the  stomach, 
otiiers  against  tlie  breast,  and  otiiors  point  it  to  the  neeiv  for  tliis  per- 
sonality. 

Objective. 


With  the  tinjjers  phieed  closely  together  at  the  tips,  the  thund)  restiii}^ 
alon^^fside  of  tiie  index,  brinjf  the  hand,  i>ointinfj  upward,  slowly  to  and 
against  the  ini<Ulle  of  the  breast.    {Kaioica  I ;  Voiiianvhe  III;  Aimclic  1 1 ; 
Wichita  II.) 

Ice. 

IW'gin  witli  the  sign  of  Water,  then  of  €ol(l,  then  of  Earth, 
and  lastly  a  ^toiie,  with  the  sign  of  MaiiieneMM  or  Similarity. 

{Ihinbar.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  SItoiie.    (Dakota  I.)    '•  A  hurd  substance." 

Ignorant. 

Taj)  theforeheiul  with  the  slightly-curved  index,  followed  by  the  sign 
for  liie.    (Apache  1.) 

III.     Seejiiick. 

Iiiiprecation. 

Italian  nigit. — The  forefinger  turned  down  is  a  motion  of  a  girl  at 
Tlirasyniene,  who  was  refused  alms,  as  she  cried  va  a  P  inferno.   (Butler.) 

Iiii|>riident — Rash. 

Shade  the  eyes  with  left  hand,  relaxed  (IT  palm  inward),  right  hand 
in  front  of  breast,  forefinger  straight  upright  (J  palm  outward) ;  move 
forward,  making  three  or  four  short  stops  in  the  movement  to  represent 
the  motion  of  a  person  walking.  This  is  the  general  description  ;  if  re- 
referring  to  raxh  charge  in  battle,  the  sign  with  left  hand  is  first  made, 
then  sign  for  charge  is  made  with  both.  (Cheyenne  II.)  "(Joing  blindly, 
without  looking."  • 

I'lace  the  tips  of  the  extended  forefingers  to  the  tenii)les,  then  throw 
the  hands  outward  and  downward.  (Wyandot  I).  "No  Judgment — 
literally.'" 

In,  Witliin. 

Forefinger  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  are  held  in  the  form  of  a  semi- 
circle, opening  toward  and  near  the  breast,  and  the  right  forefinger, 
representing  the  i>risouer,  is  placed  upright  within  the  curve,  and  i)a8sed 


■fi 

■ 


I 


\\ 


Ml 


E! 


I, If  ■ 


,  Jkt 


156 

froiik  oim  HuU'  U)  aiiotluM',  in  ordiM-  to  hIiow  that  it  in  not  perinittt'd  to  pass 
out.  This  is  tin"!  Hijjn  for  PriMOner,  as  a'iVMx  in  "  Introduction  to  tlie 
study  ot  siKiiliiiipjuan*',"  i'U'.  This  si^ni  is  tlic  one  nuulc  ity  tiu'  Sioux 
for  In,  U'j7/(/h,  and  also  to  indicate  rrisoiu'r,\u\t  wlicn  soused  tlic  scnii- 
cinth'  \v«»uld  Ito  continued  to  a  vhvW  after  passinn-  th(!  linger  within 
it.     This  siffii,  however,  \»  not  lindted  to  J'rinoner.    (Ifakotti  I.) 

Tiu'  U^fthand  tliiKt'rs  exten(h'<l  side  l»y  side,  the  tliund)  ftieing  i)ut  an 
indi  or  two  from  them,  pointing  toward  tlie  riglit  (forminn  a  U  hehl 
sidewise);  tlie  bent  index  is  then  i»nshed  partly  into  tlie  space  between 
the  tiiumit  and  lingers  ol'  tlie  left.     {Apache  I.) 

liideciMioii,    Doubt.     (('om]iare  QiieMtioii,   and    Know,    I 

«loiri.) 

Tlio  index  and  middle  tiuger  extended  diverged,  place  them  trans- 
versely before  the  situation  of  the  heart,  autl  rotate  the  wrist  two  or 
three  times  gently,  f*nining  each  time  a  (piarter  of  a  ( ircle.  (Lowj.) 
"  More  than  one  heart  for  a  purpose." 

Cond)ine  thesigns  of  Affirmative  and  I\>f(ntiTe,  >.  c.  Yen— So. 
{Arapaho  I.) 

The  right  haiul  bnaight  to  the  region  over  the  heart,  with  the  tirst  two 
fingers  extended,  ])ointing  oblicpiely  (h>wnward  toward  the  left,  thumb 
resting  on  third  linger,  which  with  the  fourth  is  closed,  back  of  liand 
outward,  make  several  <piick  tremulous  motions,  then  extend  the  thumb 
and  lingers,  and  (-any  the  hand  out  in  front  of  the  right  side  of  body, 
turuiug  the  hand  .so  that  it  is  brought,  horizontal,  Hat,  palm  upward 
(X),  extending  the  forearm  from  the  elbow  only.     ( Dalotn  I.) 

The  right  index  extended,  back  ui)ward,  i)oiuting  toward  the  left,  in 
front  of  the  left  breast,  the  other  fingers  half  closed,  tlnnnb  on  middle 
fiuger;  move  the  hand  through  an  an;  forward  and  toward  the  right 
until  it  is  in  front  of  the  right  breast.  {Dakota  IV.)  "Going  around, 
therefore  not  certain." 

Make  the  sign  for  Have,  and  then,  with  its  back  ui)ward,  fingers 
.separated  a  little,  slightly  flexed,  and  pointing  forward,  r<>tate  the  right 
hand  to  the  right  i,nd  left,  describing  an  arc  upward  (to  imply  doubt.) 
{Dakota  IV.)     "  Perhaps  1  will  get  it,  or  have  it." 

Index  and  second  fingers  straight  and  separated,  remaining  fingers 
and  thumb  t'lo.se»l,  place  the  tips  near  the  region  of  the  heart,  pointing 
to  the  left ;  move  to  and  from  the  heart  repeatedly  as  if  puncturing  it, 
at  each  thrust  rotating  the  hand  slightly  so  that  the  position  of  the  lin- 
gers will  be  similar  at  each  alternate  movement.  {Kaiowa  I;  Comanche 
III ;  .4prtc/je  II ;    Wichita  U.) 


167 


■  IViiiluxity. 

JlalidH  hiffii. — OiM'M  IiiiimI  sliakcii  Ih'Ioiv  the  tbrclii'ail  uh  if  iiii  ajjitation 
of  tlio  luaiii.    {lititltr.) 

Doubt. 


Hulitui  sifiii. — Hotli  liaiuls  witli  liiiKcrH  apart  and  palms  forward,  raised 
l>,v  the  licad.     {liuilrr.) 

lii«liaii  AKeiic'v. 

Firttt  make  tlie  sign  for  Wliilt'  liinil,  and  tiien  the  si^rn  liiive, 
tliendesi;jiiatetlH'paiti»'Mlara}j:en(',v  (see  local  names  in  "IMloPKll  NAMES, 
PiruASKs,  KTO.")  h.v  its  jtroper  sij.fn,  if  desiring:;  to  be  si»eeifie.  (I>ah()ta 
1.)  "Tlie  jdaee  where  government  provisions  are  issued,  and  tlio  white 
nnin  wlio  issues  them." 


Ill(lifli>l*<'llt'e.     None  of  my  busiiu' 


ss. 


Italittn Hiiins. — Both  iiands  held  down  by  the  thighs.     (liutler.) 

The  hand  waved  under  the  ehin.     (liutler.) 
Iii«liftcii<.    S(>e  Poor. 
Illlhlll.     See  (Chilli. 
Ill<|llil*>.     See  QiieMtioil. 
If  Im  mo.     See  Yen. 
Journey.    See  firoiiiK'. 
Kettle. 

Same  sign  as  tor  VillaK'C*  '»"t  '■*<  niade  clo.ser  to  the  earth.  (  Wicd.) 
The  eonliguration  of  a  eomm«)n  kettle  (the  utensil  obtained  from  the 
wliites  in  trade  being,  of  course,  the  one  referred  to)  is  the  same  as  that 
of  tlie  stoidvaded  villages  of  the  Mandans  and  llidatsa,the  intervals  left 
between  the  hands  re|»resenting  in  this  (rase  the  interruption  in  the 
einde  imule  by  tlie  handles.  The  differentiation  is  effected  by  the  posi- 
tion closer  to  the  earth. 

First  nuike  the  sign  for  Fire,  and  then  place  the  fingers  and  thumbs 
of  both  hands  together  in  fnuit  of  the  breast  so  as  to  describe  a  circle 
looking  downward,  and  then  move  the  hands  still  held  in  this  position 
as  though  jtutting  a  kettle  over  the  tire.  [Dakota  I.)  "From  one  of 
the  uses  to  whi<di  they  put  a  kettle.'' 

!Make  the  sign  for  dating;',  an<l  then  make  a  circle  by  holding  the 
ends  of  the  partly  bent  forefingers  and  thumbs  near  together,  the  palms 
of  the  hands  inward     (Dakota  IV.) 

Kill,  Killing:.    (Compare  Knife,  to  kill  w  ith.) 

The  hands  are  held  with  the  edge  upward,  and  the  right  hand  strikes 
the  other  transversely,  as  in  the  act  of  chopping.    Tliis  sign  seems  to  be 


1; 


J' ;  ■ 


i 


■I    -itivr'"- 


\m 


I 


158 

more  particularly  ajjplicable  to  convey  the  idea  of  death  .produced  by 
a  blow  of  the  tomahawk  or  war-club.     (Long.) 

Clinch  the  hand  and  strike  from  above  downward.  (  Wied.)  1  do  not 
remember  this.  1  have  given  you  the  sign  for  killing  witli  a  stroke. 
{Muithetcs.)  There  is  an  evident  similarity  in  conception  and  execution 
between  the  [Oto  and  Missouri  1)  sign  iuulWied^s.  (Boteler.)  This  mo- 
tion, which  may  be  more  clearly  <'xi)ressed  as  the  downward  thrust  of  a 
knife  held  in  the  clinched  hand,  is  sHIl  used  by  many  tribes  for  the  gen- 
eral idea  of  "  kill,"  and  illustrates  the  antiquity  of  the  knife  as  a  weapon. 
The  'ictual  eniploynu'Ut  of  arrow,  gun,  or  club  in  taking  life,  is,  however, 
often  specified  by  ai)proi)nate  gesture. 

Smite  the  sinister  palm  earthward  with  the  dexter  tist  sharply,  iu 
sign  of  "Going  down";  or  stiike  out  with  the  dexter  fist  toward  the 
ground,  inraning  to  "shut  down;"  or  i»ass  the  dexter  under  the  left  fore- 
finger, meaning  to  "  go  under."    (Burton.) 

Right  hnid  cast  down      (Maajouan.) 

WXfiht  hand  clinched,  thumb  lying  ;  long  finger  tips,  elevated  to  near 
the  shoulder,  strike  downward  and  outwarl  vaguely  iu  tiie  ilirection  of 
the  object  to  be  killed.  The  abstract  sign  for  Kill  is  simi>ly  to  clin(;h 
the  right  hand  in  the  man?u'r  described  ami  strike  it  down  and  out  from 
the  right  side.     [C'lieycnne  I.) 

Both  hands  clinched,  with  tic  thumbs  resting  against  the  middle  joints 
of  the  forefingers,  hold  the  left  transversely  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the 
breast,  then  push  the  right,  i)alm  down,  <piickly  over  and  down  in  front 
of  the  left.  (Absaroli'a  I;  Shoshoui  and  Banah  I.)  "To  force  under — 
literally." 

With  the  dexter  fist  brought  in  front  of  the  bo<l>  at  the  right  side, 
strike  downward  and  outward,  with  back  of  hand  upward,  thumb  to- 
ward tiie  left,  several  times.     (Bnkota  I.)     " Strike  down." 

With  the  first  and  second  joints  of  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  bent, 
end  of  thumb  against  the  middle  of  the  index,  palm  downward,  move 
the  hand  energetically  forw;u'd  and  downward  from  a  foot  in  front  of 
the  right  breast.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Striking  .ithastone" — nuin's  first 
-eapon. 

Hold  the  right  fist  palm  down,  knuckles  forwsird,  and  make  a  tnrust 
forward  and  downward.    (Dakota  V'l,  VJl;  Hidutsa  I;  Arikara  1.) 

The  left  hand,  thumb  up,  back  forward,  not  very  signally  extended, 
is  held  before  the  chest  and  struck  in  the  palm  wi'ii  the  outer  edge  of 
the  right  hand.  (Mandan  and  Uidatsal.)  "To  kill  with  a  blow;  to 
deal  the  death  blow." 


^1! 


159 

Kij>:l»t  liiind,  tiiiffoi'M  oi)eii  but  slif^litly  curved,  i>alin  to  tlie  left;  move 
tlowinvard,  desciibiiiy-  a  curve.     {Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Similar  to  the  last,  but  tlie  iiidex-tinj^er  is  extended,  poiut- 
iiifi'  ill  front  of  you,  the  other  finder  but  half  open.     {Omaha  I.) 

Another:  (Hose  the  riufht  haiul,  e\«^<'!!(liiijjthe  f<)refinj,fer  alone;  jmint 
toward  the  breast,  then  throw  from  you  forward,  brinyinfj  the  hand  to- 
wanl  the  {jround.     {Omaha  I.) 

IJotli  hands,  in  jmsitions  (AA),  with  iirfiis  semiHexcd  toward  the 
b<«ly,  make  the  forward  rotary  si f>ii  for  Fij;-||f in;;- or  Battle;  the 

right  hand  is  then  raised  from  the  left  outward,  as  dutchinj^'  a  knife 
with  the  blade  ])oiiitin<i'  downward  and  inward  toward  the  left  tiat; 
the  left  Hst  beinj;  held  iu  situ,  is  struck  now  by  the  rifi'lit,  edjjewise  as 
above  described,  and  both  suddenly  fall  together.  (0^>  and  Missouri 
I.)  "To  strike  down  in  battle  with  a  knife.  Indians  seldom  disa}j;ree 
or  kill  another  in  times  of  tribal  peace." 

Place  the  Hat  rijiiit  hand,  i>aliii  down,  at  arm's  len}>tii  to  the  right, 
brinjr  it  quickly  hori/outally,  to  the  side  of  the  head,  tiien  make  the 
sign  fen- Dead.     {Wi/aitdot  1.)     "To  strike  with  a  club,  dead." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sif/us. — Strike  a  blow  in  the  air  with  the  clinched 
list,  and  then  incline  the  head  to  one  side,  and  h)wer  the  open  hand. 
{Ballard.) 

Strike  the  other  hand  with  the  list,  or  point  a  gun,  and,  iiaving  shot, 
suddenly  point  to  ycuir  breast  with  the  linger,  and  hold  your  head  side- 
wise  on  the  hand.     {Cross.) 

Use  theclose<l  hand  as  if  to  strike,  and  then  move  bat'k  the  head  with 
the  eyes  shut  and  the  mouth  ojiened.     {ITasi  istah.) 

Put  the  head  down  over  the  breast,  and  tiien  move  down  the  stretched 
hand  along  the  neck.     (Larson.) 

Ill  battle.  To. 

Make  the  sign  for  Hattle,  Fi^ht,  then  strike  the  i)ack  of  the 
lingers  of  the  right  hand  into  tiit-  palm  of  the  Hat  and  slightly  arched 
palm  of  the  lejt,  immediately  afterwaif'  throwing  the  right  outward 
and  down  wanl  towanl  the  right.     (67c  I.)     "Killed  and  falling  over." 

You ;  1  will  kill  you. 


Direct  the  right  hand  toward  the  ott'ender  and  sjtriug  the  linger  from 
the  tliuinb,  as  in  the  act  of  sprinkling  water.  {JMtif/.)  The  conception 
is  perhaps  "causing  blood  to  tlow,"  or,  perhaps,  "sputtering  away  the 
lite,"  though  there  is  a  strong  similarity  to  the  motion  useil  for  the  dis- 
charge of  a  gun  or  qrrow. 


Vi'ir 


■1  ,r 


ill 


••'P: 


Jill: 


I   . 


<      I 


III 


160 


Kind.    See  C^ood  heart. 


Knife. 

Hold  the  left  hand  clinched  near  the  mouth,  aa  if  it  held  one  end  of  u 
strip  of  meat,  the  other  end  of  which  was  between  the  teeth,  then  pass 
the  edfje  of  the  right  hand  as  in  the  act  of  t-nttin}?  obliquely  a  little 
ui)ward  from  rijiht  to  left  between  the  other  hand  an«l  mouth,  so  as  to 
appear  to  divide  the  sui)posed  meat.     ( Lonfl.) 

Cut  past  the  mouth  with  the  raised  right  hand.  ( Wied.)  1  have 
given  you  a  different  sign,  whicli  is  the  only  one  1  have  ever  seen. 
(MatthewH.)  Vlthough  t)ie  signs  {Oto  and  MisHoiwi  1,  and  Wied^n)  are 
different  in  their  execution  as  applied  to  local  parts,  the  same  conception 
l)ervades  each — "  something  used  to  sever  or  separate."  ( liofekr.)  Wied's 
sign  probably  refers  to  the  general  practice  of  cutting  off  food,  as  much 
being  craniined  into  the  mouth  as  can  be  managed  and  then  separated 
by  a  stroke  of  a  knife  from  the  remaining  mass.  This  is  specially  the 
case  with  fat  and  entrails,  the  aboriginal  delicacies. 

Cut  the  sinister  i)alm  vith  the  dexter  ferient  downward  and  toward 
one's  self:  if  the  cuts  be  made  ujjward  with  the  palm  downward,  meat 
is  understootl.    (Burton.) 

liight  hand,  palm  outward,  little  finger  reju-esenting  the  edge  of  a 
knife,  drawn  downward  across  palm  or  inside  of  left  hand.    (Cheyenne  I.) 

Left-hand  fist  (D)  held  six  or  eight  inches  in  front  of  the  mouth, 
back  outward,  as  though  holding  a  large  piece  of  nu'at  in  the  mouth, 
and  then  the  vight  hand  with  the  back  outward,  fingers  extended,  Joined, 
upright  (S),  is  passed  from  right  to  left  on  a  curve  between  the  mouth 
and  the  left  hand  as  though  cutting  the  piece  of  meat  in  two.  (Dakota  I.) 
"May  have  come  from  their  first  manner  of  using  the  knife  in  eating." 

Hold  the  left  tist,  back  outward,  about  eight  inches  in  front  of  the 
mouth,  and  move  the  opened  right  hand,  palm  backward,  fingers  ]>oint- 
ing  «»bliquely  upward  toward  the  left,  obli(pu?ly  upward  and  downward 
from  side  to  side  behind  it.  (Dakota  IV'.)  "Holding  a  piece  of  meat 
with  the  left  hand  and  the  teeth,  and  cutting  a  piece  otl"  with  a  knife." 

The  left  hand,  fully  opened,  with  the  Hngers  dose  together,  palm  up- 
wanl  and  finger  tips  t()  the  front,  is  lield  before  the  person.  Then  the 
right  hand,  also  fully  opened  ami  with  fingers  not  spread  a|)art,  with 
the  palm  inward  and  the  thumb  njiwanl,  is  laid  transversely  on  the 
left  palm — the  outer  edge  only  touching  the  left  palm.  Sometimes  the 
right  hand  is  then  <lrawn  away  <»nce  to  the  right  with  a  motion  reprO' 
senting  a  cut.     (Mandan  and  Hidaisa  I,) 


-1 


161 

Tlie  left  arm  is  st'ini-extoiuled,  and  the  left  hand,  in  po.sition  (X  1), 
niixlitied  by  ht-in}ied{j;«!wise  np  and  down.  The  ii{;;lit  arm  is  then  Imms'lit 
iM'fore  t)ie  body,  and  the  hand,  in  position  (X),  liorizontal,  is  made  to 
exert  a  earvin{>;  motion  at  the  knnekle  en-  metaeiirpo-pliahmf^eal  joints  of 
the  left  hand,  which  is  eonelnded  by  a  seoopinj^;  or  earving  movement. 
{(Ho  niid  Missotoi  \.)     '*  That  by  whieh  we  open  joints  and  cut  or  carve." 

Ikafvude  ntitiirnl  sir/iis. — Imitate  the  act  of  whittling:  with  one  fore- 
finger upon  the  other.     (lialhrd.) 

Pass  one  forefinger  over  the  other  several  times.     [Udsenstab.) 

Skinnini;  witii  a. 


The  hands  are  i)la<red  as  in  the  sign  for  KllifV,  tluiii  the  right  iiand 
is  held  a  little  obli(|iiely,  /.  c.  witli  forearm  semi-i)roiiated,  an«l  drawn, 
but  never  pushed,  across  the  left  jialm  repeatedly,  jdvancing  a  little 
towai'd  the  (ingcrends  wifli  each  strejje.     (Mainhai  mid  Jlidatm  I.) 


:7^^'' 


■:;!;»; 


Hold  the  left  cIose<l  hand,  i»alm  down,  a  short  distance  before  the 
body,  an<l  make  repeated  cuts  in  front  of  the  knuckles  with  the  flattened 
riyht  haiul.  (I'tiiCte  1.)  "  l{ei)resents  holding  a  flap  of  skin  and  sejta- 
raling  it  from  the  body." 

To  kill  with  a. 


Clinch  the  right  hand  and  strike  forcibly  toward  the  ground  before 
the  breast  from  the  height  of  the  face.  (Utc  \.)  "Appears  to  have 
originated  when  flint  knives  were  still  used." 


Know.  (Compaiefiiooil;  liideriNioii ;  lIiid('i*Mtnii(l  and  Vcn.) 

The  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  held  ni»  nearly  opposite  to  the 
nose,  and  brongiit  with  a  half  turn  to  the  right  and  carried  a  little  out- 
ward, riace  any  of  the  articles  |.s/(|  before  this  sign,  which  will  then 
signify,  I  know,  you  know,  he  knows.  IJofh  hands  being  made  use  of 
in  the  manner  described  implies  to  know  nuich.     [Dnnhnr.) 

Spread  the  thumb  and  index-finger  of  the  riglit  iiand,  sweep  toward 
the  breast,  moving  them  forward  and  outward,  so  that  the  palm  turns 
up.  (  Wml.)  'I'iic  right  arm  is  Hexed  and  raised ;  the  hand  is  then 
brought  before  the  forehead  between  the  eyes  as  in  position  (I  1, 
modified  by  being  ])alm  outward  and  the  index  more  opened);  the 
hand  and  forearm  then  describe  a  (pnidrant  forward  and  downward. 
There  is  no  conceivable  similarity  bt^tween  tliis  sign  and  ir/crfV  as 
executed  and  it  is  probable  that  the  conceptions  are  likewise  of  differ- 
ent source  or  association.  This  same  sign  is  used  for  Knouicdgc  in  an 
abstract  sense,  {liotelcr.)  "To  have  in  mind  or  utter  from  the 
niiud." 
21 


Jl 


!  i* 


i 


ml 

II 

\  ■ 


If 


I'. 


162 

Tlic  tliumb  and  index-fiiiffer  inado  into  a  ring  and  passed  from  the 
mouth.     (Mavfjoican.) 

Thumb,  first  and  second  fingers  of  riglit  liand  extended  (otliers  (closed), 
liorizontal,  baclvs  upward,  are  earried  from  tlie  natural  position  elose  to 
and  in  front  of  the  l)ody  as  liigli  as  tlie  moutli,  where  tlieliand  is  carried 
with  a  curved  motion,  first  upward  ami  outward,  and  tlien  downward 
to  the  level  of  the  stomach,  l)a('ks  of  the  fingers  h)oking  oblicpiely  down- 
ward.    (Dnh)ta  I.)     "  I  have  heard  your  talk  and  know  what  you  say." 

The  right  index  and  tliumb  fully  extended  and  spread,  the  other  fingers 
loosely  closed,  index  i»oiiifiiig  forward  and  a  little  to  the  left,  back  of 
hand  upward;  then  supiiiate  the  hand,  thrown  on  its  bacK  and  held 
about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  right  breast.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Strike  the  left  breast  with  the  tliumb  and  forefinger,  keeping  the 
other  fingers  closed.     {Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Curve  tliree  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  touch  tij)  of  middle 
fiuger  with  thumb,  extend  forefinger,  and  shake  hand  forward  and  down. 
{Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Same  as  the  preceding,  but  thumb  and  fingers  closed  instt'ad 
of  ring  shape.      {Omaha  I.) 

Another:  Curve  threes  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  place  the  thumb 
over  their  middle  joints,  extend  the  imlex,  and  shake  forward  and  down- 
ward from  the  right  side  of  the  faiie.     {Omaha  I.) 

Sjiread  the  index  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  fully  apart,  remaining 
fingers  closed,  i)alm  toward  the  body,  and  move  the  hand  forward  and 
slightly  downward  and  a  little  to  the  right  from  below  the  chin  to  a  dis- 
tance of  eight  or  ten  iii<;hes.  {Kaiowal;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  .v(V/h«. — Tail  the  forehead  slightly  with  the  hand, 
{Ballard.) 

^'od  and  point  to  the  forehead.     {Cross.) 

I*ut  the  oi)en  hand  to  the  breast,  and  at  the  same  time  bend  down 
the  head.     {Larson.) 

Place  the  right  forefinger  on  the  forehead,  at  the  same  time  nod  the 
head  as  if  to  say  "yes."    {Zeigler.) 

All  the  ascertained  gestures  of  deaf-mutes  relating  to  intelligence  are 
connected  with  the  forehead,  on  which  we,  also,  rest  the  forefinger,  for 
.show  of  thought. 

I  don't  know. 


First  place  the  fingers  in  the  position  for  Know;  then  turn  the  right 


163 

hand  upward  with  spread  fingers,  so  that  they  point  outward  toward 
the  right  side.     (  Wicd.) 

Is  expressed  by  waving  the  right  liand  with  the  i)ahn  outward  before 
the  right  breasi,  or  by  moving  about  the  two  forefingers  before  the 
breast,  meaning  "two  hearts."     {liiirton.) 

First  njake  tlie  sign  for  Know,  and  then  tliat  for  Hfot  or  IVo. 

{Dakota  I.)     "  Do  not  I<now  wliat  you  say.     Indecision,  doubt." 

Makefile  sign  for  I  KllOir;  then  the  sign  for  IVo,  or  wliile  the 
Angers  are  in  position  for  I  Know  throw  tliehand  outward  as  for  IVo. 
(Dakota  IV.) 

Tlie  riglit  arm  is  elevated  and  the  hand,  in  type-position  (F),  is 
twisted  several  times  before  the  (rliest,  then  suddeidy  everted  and  ex- 
panded.    [Oto  and  Minsoitri  I.)     ''Not  screwed  uj)  or  posted  unaware." 

Make  the  sign  for  Know,  to,  and  throw  the  hand  to  the  right  as 
in  ]Vo,  IXot.     (Kaioical ;  Comanche  111 ;  Apache  II ;   Wichita  II.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  «jV/h«. — Point  to  the  bosom,  meaning  the  speaker, 
idace  the  haiul  upon  the  forehead  and  then  move  the  hand  away. 
(Ballard.) 

Having  ])ut  the  finger  to  your  breast,  point  to  the  forehead,  shaking 
your  head.     (Crosx.) 

Put  the  stretched  hand  to  the  breast,  and  at  the  same  time  shake  the 
head.     (Larson.) 

Place  the  right  forefinger  on  the  forehead,  at  the  same  time  shake  the 
head  as  if  to  say  No.    (Zeiyler.) 

1  don't  kiu)w  you. 

Move  the  raised  hand,  witii  the  palm  in  front,  slowly  to  the  right  and 
left.    (Jiurton.) 

Lake,  Pond. 

Make  the  sign  of  Vrinkinft',  and  f'oiin  a  basin  with  l)oth  hands. 
If  a  large  body  of  water  is  in  (piestion,  wave  both  i)alms  outward  as  in 
denoting  a  plain.     (Burton.) 

Sign  for  Water  followed  by  sign  for  Big'  i»  the  sense  of  Broad, 
Wide.    For  Pon<l,  nuike  sign  for  Lake  and  Little.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  l¥ater,  and  then  the  sign  for  Big  in  the 

sense  ot  Flat.    (Dakota  I.)    "  Water  spread  out  or  level — not  ruuniug 
water." 


m 


■m\ 


m 


m 


n   i 


\H 


164 

Make  the  sign  for  Heater,  then  ai>rea(l  and  slifjhtly  flox  the  thumbs 
and  forertufjevs,  and  hohl  the  hands,  palms  inward,  near  together  or  far 
apart,  according  ♦^o  the  size  of  t!ie  hike  referred  to.     {IhtTcota  IV.) 

After  making  tiie  sign  for  liVater,  indicate  a  circle,  by  extending 
the  hands  hori/ontally,  allowing  the  tips  of  the  forcHnger  and  thumb  of 
one  hand  to  Join  those  of  the  other.  A  larger  ein-Ie  is  made  to  indicate 
a  large  lake  by  making  tw<»  horizontal  semicircular  air  lines  with  the 
hands,  the  termini  of  the  lines  Joining.     {Shoslioni  and  BanaTi  I.) 

DedfniiUe  ndtiiral  sif/iix. — Maice  a  circle  with  the  foretinger,  and  imi- 
tate the  act  of  drinking  to  signify  1V:il('l*.     {Hdllard.) 

Partly  open  your  mouth  with  the  head  held  back,  place  the  fingers  — 
arranged  in  such  a  manner  that  tlie  hand  looks  like  a  cup — to  it,  and 
then  suddenly  move  the  hand  horizontally  along  a  line  des(!ribing  an 
ellipse.     {Cross.) 

Lame. 

llight-hand  tist  (B,  tuiiu'd  downward)  in  fnmt  of  the  body ;  make  the 
forward  an-licd  movements  in  imitation  of  the  walk  of  a  lame  person. 
(J>al(>U(  I.)     "  From  a  hnne  person's  i    inner  of  walking." 

l<aiic'(>,  or  $|»eai*. 

Is  shown  by  an  imitation  of  darting  it.     {Jiitrttni.) 

Hands  elevated  and  closed  as  though  grasping  the  shaft  of  a  lance, 
left  hand  before  rigid,  sudden  motion  made  from  the  left  shoulder 
diagonally  forward  (hands  being  carefully  retained  in  their  relative 
jtositions).     [Clu'i/ciinc  I.) 

Kight  liaml  extended  in  front  on  a  level  with  the  shoulder,  as  though 
holding  a  spear  (U-  lance  in  position  to  use  it.  {Dakota  I.)  "  From  the 
throwing  of  a  si)ear." 

(1)  Point  to  tent-pole;  (2)  cut  olf  left  foretingcr,  with  right  index;  (3) 
rub  it  with  the  latter  toward  its  tip  ;  (4)  place  tip  of  right  at  base  of  left 
index  ;  (.">)  thrust  both  forward.  {Apache  11  [.)  " (1)  Shaft-  (2)  head ;  (3) 
shari>en.s  it  to  i)oint;  (4)  adjusted  head  to  shaft;  (5)  put  it  in  service." 

Lar^e.     See  Crl'eat  and  Big',  iu  sense  of  Large. 

l^aiigli,  To.    Laiigliter. 

Place  the  hands  as  in  Beavy,  but  forward  from  each  side  of  the 
lower  Jaw,  then  move  them  up  and  down  a  short  distance  rapidly,  the 
face  expressing  a  smile.  {Kaiowa  I;  Comanvhc  III ;  Ajmche  II;  Wich- 
ita II.) 


i, , 


165 

Lazy. 

Lay  tho  archod  liglit  hand  (H)  on  the  middle  of  the  upiior  left  arn> 
partially  (extended  in  front  of  the  body,  biick  of  liand  upward,  and  in  the 
same  manner  lay  tiie  left  hand  on  the  rij,'ht  arm,  and  then  carry  both 
hand.s  upward  on  their  respective  sides  in  front  to  the  level  of  tlu^  face, 
where  both  index-Hnfjers  are  extended  and  jtoint  uprijfht  (J),  from 
wiienc.e  they  are  carriiMl  slowly  downward  in  front  ot  the  body  to  thi? 
level  of  the  stomacti.  {Dakota  I.)  "  Lazy  ;  no  yood  with  llie  arms  and 
hands." 

Denf-mute  natural  ttUjn. — Ilaviiifjf  extended  your  cheeks,  shake  your 
head,  implying  no,  and  tlien  conjpress  tliem  with  the  liands.     {Cnm.) 

Lean.    Bee  Poor. 

Leavew  (of  trees). 

Tlie  sign  for  Tree  must  be  made  tirst,  and  in  this  case  with  the  left 
hand.  Beginning  froin  low  down  on  left  side,  witli  lingers  and  tlnunb 
sei>arate(l,  pointed  upward  (P),  move  tlie  hand  ujnvard  till  it  reaclu's  a 
little  abov(^  the  liead ;  this  is  the  tree.  Itight  hand  in  jiosition  (CiJ)  is 
brought  to  toudi  tluMlitferent  lingers  of  the  left  (wliich  are  thc^  brandies); 
foretinger  and  thumb  describe  the  leaf,  an<l  is  made  larger  to  describe 
dilferent  kinds  by  parting  the  thumb  and  finger  more  or  less.  Tlie  sign 
for  Tree  alone  is  generally  made  with  the  right  hand.    {Chct/einie  11.) 

Make  a  tree  and  its  brandies,  and  then  with  the  thumb  and  tbreHii- 
gerof  the  riglit  Iiand  describe  a  semicircle  witii  the  free  ends  of  tlie 
thumb  and  finger  turned  <lownward  in  front  of  the  body.  (Dakota  I.) 
"In  resemblance  ot  the  drooping  leaves  of  a  tree." 

Arms  are  extended  from  body  like  limbs  of  a  tree.  The  right  hand, 
in  jiosition  (IV),  is  then  brought  to  left  in  jiosition  (S)  modified  by  being 
horizontal  edgewise.  From  the  left,  arm  and  hand  still  extended,  the 
right  drops  successively  to  the  ground.  Autumn  is  representtMl  by  this 
sign,  following  the  sign  foi  Nun.  (Oto  I.)  "Something  that  drojis  from 
S]neading  limbs  and  tlu'  time  for  such." 

On  trees. 


Same  motion  of  right  hand  as  in  Tree,  witii  the  left  hand  and  arm 
in  front  above  head,  looking  u|»,  spread  the  fingers  which  were  bent 
downward.  Thumbs  nearly  toudiing,  shake  both  hands  sidewise  and 
ii]>  and  down  (piickly  in  imitation  of  aspenleaf  motion.  When  the  tree 
is  near,  point  in  both  cases  to  the  tree  or  trees  w'*^h  the  finger.  (Oiib- 
ira  IV.) 

LelY-lianded. 

The  left  hand  clinched  is  held  before  the  neck;  the  elbow  is  then 
brought  in  to  the  side,  at  the  same  time  giving  to  the  forearm  a  twist, 
so  as  to  bring  the  dosed  jialin  opposite  the  breast.    {Long.) 


M 


I:  M 


166 

Simply  point  to  the  left  haml  with  the  cxteiuleil  t'orefiiitjer  of  the 
right.    (Dakota  I.) 

Separate  the  thuiiib  and  index-tinker  of  each  hand,  and  draw  them 
upward  alon};-  both  legs.  (  Wicd.)  1  have  described  his  sign  in  essen- 
tially the  same  terms ;  bnt  as  for  the  sign  for  Coat,  I  say  the  lingers 
are  closed.  Tiie  same  remarks  apply  in  one  ease  as  in  the  other.  (Mat- 
thewn.)  Notwitlistanding  the  indetinite  an<l  inexplicit  manner  in  which 
Wi^rs  sign  is  expressed,  there  is  evident  similarity  to  that  of  (Oto  and 
MisHoitri  I),  botli  in  conception  and  movement.     [liotckr.) 

Tile  tip  of  tiie  thumb  of  each  hand  is  opposed  to  the  tip  of  one  or 
more  of  its  (torrespondiiig  lingers,  as  if  they  graspe<l  something  lightly. 
The  hands  are  tlien  Iield  a  few  inches  apart  on  the  anterior  aspect  of 
one  of  the  tiiighs  as  low  down  as  they  can  reach  without  bending  the 
body  (the  tinger-tips  nearly  or  (piite  touching  the  limb),  and  are  then 
simultaneously  drawn  rapidly  ui)ward  to  the  waist  to  rei)resent  the 
motion  as  if  drawing  on  a  legging.  Tiie  motion  may  be  repeated  ou  the 
oi)posite  lindt.     (Maiidan  and  Ilidatita  I.) 

The  body  is  bent  forward  and  the  lind)s  Hexed  upward  and  addimtcd. 
Both  hands,  with  the  backs  arched  ni)ward  and  the  thuiid)  points  in 
contact,  seemingly  encinile  the  leg  at  the  ankle,  and  are  drawn  toward 
the  body  over  each  leg  severally,  as  in  drawing  the  above  article  on. 
{Oto  and  Missouri  I.)     "  That  wiiich  is  drawn  over  the  legs." 

Let  alone. 

Kight-hand  palm  down,  arm  bent  at  elbow,  move  downward  by 
degrees  as  low  as  the  knees.     [Omaha  1.) 

Lie,  FaliKeliood. 

The  forefinger  and  middle  fingers  extended,  passed  two  or  three  times 
from  the  nu)uth  forward.  They  are  Joined  at  the  mouth,  but  sei)arate  as 
they  depart  from  it,  indicating  that  the  wonls  go  in  different  directions. 

(Louff.) 

Pass  the  second  and  third  finger  of  the  right  hand  toward  the  left 
side  in  front  of  the  moutii.  (Wied.)  My  description  is  much  to  the 
same  effect,  but  1  add  that  the  hand  is  nu)ved  forward.  (Matthews.) 
Though  the  description  of  Wied''s  sign  is  condensed,  there  is  an  evident 
sin)ilarity  in  the  execution  and  conception  of  this  with  (Oto  I.)  (Boteler.) 
The  author  means  tlie  index  and  middle  finger  as  appears  from  other 
parts  of  his  list,     lie  counts  the  thumb  as  the  first  finger. — [Ed. 

Extend  the  two  first  finyers  from  the  mouth.  (Burton.)  "Double 
tongue — a  signifieant  gesture." 


'1 


107 

Pass  tlio  liaiul  from  i-i};lit  fo  left  <;lo,su  by  and  across  tlie  mouth,  witli 
tlM>  first  two  tinkers  of  tlie  liaiid  oju'IumI,  tliniiil)  and  other  tin^i'iMs 
<dos(!d.     (Dodf/e.) 

Thrnst  tho  fore  and  middle  linger,  extended  and  separated,  from  the 
moutli.     Literally  "  tlie  forlved  toii};iie."    (Arajmho  I.) 

Kifjht-hand  fore  and  middle  finfjjers  jilaeed  on  a  level  with  the  base 
of  the  chin,  (irst  knuctkle  af^ainst  or  near  the  mouth;  thrust  forward 
and  to  the  left.     (('Itcifeniie  I.)     ".SjieaU  double,  with  two  tontiiu's." 

If  the  two  forelinjiers  are  parted  and  moved  from  the  mouth,  like  the 
Hplit  tongue  of  a  snake,  it  si^rnilies  l.vin;*.  This  sign  is  adopted  in  the 
sign  language  of  all  the  Indians,  as  well  as  the  tigure  from  which  it  is 
derived.     {Ojihira  I.)     ''Speak  with  the  toiked  tongue,  i.  c,  lie." 

Fore  and  second  lingers  of  the  right  hand  extended  and  forked  {tj  1, 
with  tlinnd)  resting  on  third  tingei')  passed  from  rigiit  to  left  directly  in 
front  of  the  mouth.     {Ihiknta  I.)     ''Double-tongued." 

Place  the  right  hand,  palm  inward  (toward  the  left),  Just  in  front  of 
theimtntli:  strongly  extend  the  index;  also  extend  the  middle  linger,  but 
bend  it  toward  the  ])abu  until  it  is  at  an  angle  of  4.")^  with  the  index; 
halt  close  the  ring  and  little  fingers,  thumb  against  ring  finger;  move 
the  hand  straight  forward  about  eight  inches;  or,  having  placed  the 
hand  with  its  back  forward,  move  the  hand  to  the  left.  {Dakota  IV.) 
"Two  tongues." 

Touch  the  region  of  the  heart  with  the  right  kaml,  then  close  the 
hand,  extend  the  first  two  fingers,  i)assing  them  from  the  mouth  lor- 
war<l.     {Dakota  V.) 

Spread  the  extendeil  index  and  second  finger  of  the  right  hand,  and 
pass  them,  palm  toward  the  body,  (piiekly  byand  past  the  moutli  to  the 
left.     {Dakota  \ I,  \ II.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  and  second  fingers  extended  and 
separated;  then  pass  them  before  the  breast  from  right  to  left,  the 
fingers  pointing  in  that  direction  ami  the  i)alm  toward  the  body. 
{HUkitm  I ;  Arikara  I.) 

The  sign  is  like  that  for  TiMie,  except  that  both  the  middle  and 
index  fingers  are  extende<l,  and  these  are  held  together  while  the  hand 
is  at  the  mouth,  but  they  diverge  as  the  hand  moves  forward.  {Mandan 
and  Hidatsa  1.) 

The  arm  is  flexed  an<l  elevated  to  a  level  with  the  mouth.  The  hand 
is  in  position  (!¥  1),  modified  by  being  horizontal  instead  of  vertical, 
with  palm  toward  the  face  and  first  two  fingers  separated.    From  incep- 


ii 


m  \ 


il 


is- 


llliii-- 


168 

tion  of  sifjn  at  riulit  sidn  ol'  faro  tlic  hand  is  tliruHt  from  riplit  to  left 
across  the  iiionth.  It  is  tlicn  lejieatod  with  other  hand  identically  the 
Hanie/;v>»i  oppoHitc  sidi'  of  iiioiitli.  Soinctiiiu's  l«»tli  iiidex-Hnfjcrs  an;  tisod 
from  corners  of  mouth,  palm  outward,  and  made  to  thusdiverge  as  tliey 
recede.     (Oto  I.)     *'  Duplicity  or  d(Hd)le-ton};ued." 

Make  the  sipn  tor  Talk,  then  throw  the  ri^ht  tist  outward  and 
downward  toward  the  ripht  side,  and  snap  the  fingers  from  the  thumb, 
as  in  Bail.     (  Wnaiidot  I.)     "Talk,  bad." 

After  pointing  at  jierson  addressed,  the  hand  is  placed  in  front  of 
month,  bark  toward  moutli  and  lingers  projecting  forward  (P  1,  with 
knuckles  ujnvard).  Then  with  (piick  motions  move  hand  two  or  three 
times  to  a  point  six  ()r  eight  inches  from  mouth,  as  though  casting  some- 
thing from  the  month.  Then  move  hand  to  side  of  mouth,  the  two 
lirst  tingers  only  extend«'d  and  slightly  scparat<'d  (.\  1,  changed  to  hori- 
zontal position  and  thumb  obliquely  exten<h>d),  and  past  the  mouth  to  a 
])oint  on  the  left.     (Saliaptiii  I.)     "Words  doublc-tctngued." 

Pass  tile  rigid  hand  to  the  left  close  by  and  across  the  mouth,  with 
the  tirst  two  fingers  of  the  hand  opened,  thumb  and  other  lingers  closed. 
{J'aiUte  I.) 

With  the  third  and  fourth  lingers  of  me  right  hand  closed,  resting 
the  tips  of  the  lirst  two  tingers  against  the.  ball  of  the  thumb,  i»lace  the 
hand  in  front  of  the  chin  or  mouth,  and  while  moving  it  diagonally 
forward  and  to  the  left  let  the  fingers  snap  forward  from  the  tlnnnb; 
repeat  this  two  or  three  tinu's.     (Ute  I.)     ''  Double-tongued." 

Another:  Hold  the  index,  pointing  uitward,  in  front  of  the  mouth, 
and  move  it  repeatedly  and  altermitely  obliquely  forward  toward  the 
right  and  left.  The  index  and  secoml  finger  extended  and  sepirated, 
are  sometimes  used  to  represent  extraordinary  lying.  ( Ute  I.)  "  Talk 
two  ways." 

Sign  as  for  Tl'iifh,  but  make  the  motion  obliquely  and  alternately 
toward  the  left  ami  right.     (Apache  I.) 

Run  the  index  from  each  corner  of  the  mouth.     (Zuui  I.) 

Deaf  mutes  gesture  Truth  by  moving  one  finger  straight  liom  the 
lips,  "straight-forward  si)eaking,"  but  distinguish  Lie  b^\  moving  the 
tiuger  to  one  side,  "  sideways  speaking."' 

Lie  down. 

Point  to  the  ground,  and  make  a  motion  as  if  lying  down.     {Bttrton.) 

The  sign  for  (Sleep,  the  eyes  remaining  open.    {Arapaho  I.) 


IfiO 


Only  (lifferH  fruni  the  Hifjii  for  ^Ie6p  in  incliniiij]^  the  liead  and  arms 
sidcwiHe  (to  tlio  rijflit)  toward  tlie  ground,  with  olbow  out  as  tliongh 
used  as  a  support.    (Dakota  I.) 

Wave  tJH^  hands  h»w  (h)wn,  palms  up  (X),  horizontally  and  laterally; 
Sleep.     [AiHwhe  III.)     "Suitable  phutu  to  lie  upon." 

Denf'mute  natural  Hiiju. — I'laee  the  hand  upon  tiio  cheek,  incline  the 
head  t<i  one  side,  and  then  lower  the  hand,     {liatlani.) 

Flat  where-  you  are. 

Like  Down  and  Alone,  hut  the  arm  is  extended  in  the  direction  of 
the  party  addressed,  witli  palm  down,  and  nu)ved  downward  several 
times.     (Omaha  I.) 

Ijif'e,  Living'. 

lii^fht-hand  foreliiiffer  straight  upri<jiit,  otiiers  closed  (J),  is  slowly 
raised  ui»  in  front  of  the  ri^^ht  side  close  to  the  body,  as  hij^h  above  the 
head  as  the  arm  can  be  extended.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Kaise<l  up;  coming 
up ;  growing  also," 

LiK'lit,  Dayliidit.     (Com|)are  Clear.) 

Make  the  sign  of  the  sun  in  the  eastern  hori/.on,  and  tlien  extend  the 
hands  together,  with  the  palm  upward,  and  carry  them  from  each  other 
outward.     (Long.) 

Da>'li;;;ht  is  equivaleut  to  NiinTiwe.   See  also  dil.iMN.   ( Dakota  I.) 

The  left  arm  is  extended  from  left  side  of  the  body  with  tlu'  hand 
in  type  position  (II)  moditied  by  the  index  being  a  little  more  extended. 
In  this  manner  the  left  hand  indicates  tiie  rising  sun.  'V\w  liands  are 
now  approximated  at  lingers,  jyalms  belbre  the  face,  and  gi'adually  di- 
verge, as  do  hanging  curtains.  The  hands  are  liehl  wiMi  the  edges  in- 
ward and  outward.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "That  which  acicompanies 
the  sun ;  the  curtains  of  night  being  unfolded." 

Deaf  mule  natural  sign. — Move  the  outstretched  hands  apart  from  each 
other.     (Larson.) 

Ijij^llt  (in  weight). 

Ivight  hand  horizontal,  biiek  downward,  fingers  extended  and  |)artially 
curved  upward,  is  carrioil  upward  by  easy  nu>tion  in  front  of  tlie  body, 
with  arm  nearly  extended  and  as  though  the  hand  contained  some  light 
object.     (Dakota  1.)     "  Not  heavy  to  lift." 

Point  at  an  imaginary  object;  lift  it  with  one  hand,  easily  and  rapidly, 
high  above  heiul  (If).    (Apache  HI.) 
22 


f 


M 


:;rt 


ii 


M 
U 


I  '  i'  1  ■ 


!■.!(■: 


w 


it! 

hi  1 


m 


i: 


170 

Liirhfninit:.    (Comitan^  Thunder.) 

First  tlni  siKii  for  Thlin«ler;  tlipn  oi»eii  or  Heparnte  llio  hands,  and 
lastly  brinK  tlui  riulit  IiuimI  down  toward  tlio  earth,  in  the  center  of  the 
oi»enin(j.jnst  made.     (Dunhar.) 

Hitjlit  hand  eUnated  before  ami  ./u./ve  the  liead,  foreflnjjer  pointing 
upward,  bronglit  with  K>«'iit  rapidity  witli  a sinnons,  undulating  motion; 
Hnger  still  extended  diagonally  downward  toward  the  right.  {Chvy- 
enne  I.) 

Ah  thunder  and  lightning  generally  accompany  each  other,  there  is 
no  separate  sign  for  Lif(lltllill^.     (Dakota  I.) 

Extend  the  in«lex  straight  and  earthward,  raise  the  hand  to  the  height 
of  the  head,  ami  pass  it  (piickly  down  toward  the  ground  making  a  ro- 
tary movement  with  the  linger  in  doing  so.     (Apache  I.) 

lAnien,    See  Hear. 

Little.    Miiiall  amount.    See  Small,  also  IVone. 

lioeoniotive. 

Place  the  right  hand,  with  the  fingers  and  thumb  partially  curved 
ui)ward  and  separated,  knuckles  outward,  in  front  of  the  breast,  ami 
push  it  up  and  down  a  short  distance  wliile  moving  it  f(U'ward  (putling 
smoke  and  forward  nu)vement  of  engine) ;  then  place  both  hands  edge- 
wise before  the  chest,  palius  facing,  and  while  moving  the  left  but  a  few 
in(;hcs  forward,  pass  the  right  <piickly  by  it  and  to  the  front  to  arm's 
length.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "  Itapid 
motion  as  comi)ared  with  anything  else." 

Lodge,  Tipi,  ^Vigwani. 

The  two  hiiiuls  are  reared  together  in  the  form  of  the  roof  of  a  house, 
the  ends  of  the  fingers  upward.     (Lony.) 

Place  the  opened  thumb  and  forefinger  of  each  hand  opposite  each 
other,  as  if  to  make  a  circle,  but  leaving  between  them  a  snmll  interval; 
afterward  move  them  from  above  downward  simultaneously  (which  is 
the  sign  for  villafie) ;  then  elevate  the  finger  to  indicate  the  number — 
one.  (Wied.)  Probably  he  refers  to  an  earthen  lodge.  1  think  that  the 
sign  1  have  given  you  for  "  skin  lodge"  is  the  same  with  all  the  Upper 
Missouri  liulians.    (Matthews.) 

Place  the  fingers  of  both  hands  ridge-fashiou  before  the  breast. 
(Burton.) 

Indicate  the  outlines  (an  inverted  V,  thus  /^),  with  the  forefingers 
touching  or  crossed  near  the  tips,  the  other  fingers  closed.    (Arapaho  I.) 


171 

lioth  liands  opon,  titit^ors  upward,  ti))s  toiicliiiiK,  hroti^ht  ilovviiward, 
and  at  Haiiui  time  Htqtaratcd  to  doHcrilu^  uiitlinu  of  a  cone,  Hiiddenly 
Mtoppt'd.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Vhu'A'.  tlic  tips  of  tli«  lln{;<>ra  of  both  liaiids  togt'thcr  in  front  of  tlio 
bivast,  witli  tlio  wrists  sonu;  distaiift*  apair,  as  in  tlic  outlines  of  tliu 
It'ttiT  A.     {Dakota  V.) 

With  hotli  iiands  Hat  and  extended,  pointinj^'  upward,  ])alnis  facing, 
place  the  tips  of  both  toj-ether,  allowiiijj  the  wrists  to  be  about  three  or 
four  inches  a]>art.  {Shonhoni  and  lianak  \.)  "Outline  of  lod^^e-poies 
with  covering." 

Hoth  hands  lliit  and  extended,  jdacinji-  the  tips  of  the  tinfjers  of  one 
afjainst  those  of  the  other,  h'avin^  the  |)ahnsor  wrists  about  four  inches 
apart.  [Abmroka  I;  Wyanihttl]  Shoithmi  ami  lianak  \.)  "From  its 
exterior  outline." 


i 


Tipi  is  the  preferred  word  with  the  Sioux.  WUjnyim  is  not  known. 
Both  hands  carried  to  the  front  of  the  breast  and  jdaced  V  shaix'd, 
with  the  i>alnis  looking,'  toward  eaith  other  i'dj,'e  of  linn'crs  outward, 
thumbs  inward.     {Dakota  I.)     "  From  the  tiiti." 

Cross  the  ends  of  the  extended  forelin;;ers,  tlie  ri^^lit  oneeither  in  front 
or  behiiul  the  left,  or  la.v  the  ends  to;;('thcr ;  rest  the  ends  (»f  the  thumbs 
together  side  by  side,  the  ulln-r  tlnj^ers  to  be  nearly  cl(»sed,  hands  lu'arly 
uprif^ht,  ami  the  fingers  restingagainsteacih  (»ther,  palms  inward.  {Da- 
kota IV.)     '•  Hepre.sents  the  tij)!  jsoles  and  the  siiajie  of  the  tipi." 


i 


Fingers  of  both  hands  extended  and  separated  ;  then  interli.ee  them 
so  that  the  tips  of  one  hand  protrude  bt^vond  tiu'  backs  of  tiiosi'  <>f  the 
(tpposing  oiH';  hold  the  liands  in  front  of  the  breast,  heaving  the  wrists 
about  six  inches  apart.     {Dakota  Yil',  Ilxilatsa  \  \  Arikara  \.) 

The  extended  hands,  with  tiiiger  tii)s  upward  and  touching,  the  palms 
facing  one  another,  and  the  wrists  al)out  two  inches  apart,  are  held 
before  the  cliest.     {Mandan  and  Hidatm  I.) 

I'lace  the  tip  of  the  index  against  tluf  tii>  of  the  forefinger  of  the  left 
hand,  the  remaining  lingers  and  thumbsclosed,  before  the  chests,  leaving 
the  wrists  about  six  inches  apart.  {Kaioica  I;  Comanche  III  ;  Apache 
II;  Wichita  II.)  "Outline  of  lodge.  This  is  an  ablneviated  sign,  and 
care  must  be  taken  to  distinguish  from  to  meet,  in  which  the  lingers  are 
bron^'ht  from  their  respective  sides  instead  of  upward  to  form  gesture.'^ 

Place  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the  tlat  extended  hands  together  before 
the  breast,  leaving  the  wrists  al)out  six  inches  apart.  {Kaiowa  1 ;  Co 
manclie  III ;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 


m 


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172 

Both  liaiidH  flat  and  extended,  flngers  sliphtly  sei)arated  then  phice 
the  flnfjers  of  the  rifjht  hand  iMitween  the  finders  of  the  hift  as  far  nn 
the  second  Joints,  so  that  the  tinkers  of  one  hand  ])rotrnde  about  an 
incli  beyond  tliose  of  tlie  opposite ;  iiie  wrist  ninst  be  hehl  about  six 
inchesapart.  {Kniowa  I ;  ('omnnclic  III;  Apache  \l;  Wichita  II.)  "Out- 
line of  Indian  lodfje  and  crossing  of  tcntpolea  above  the  covering." 

Phice  tL<e  tips  uf  the  spread  fingers  of  botli  hiinds  again:-)t  one  an- 
other, ])ointing  upward  l>efore  tiie  i)ody,  leaving  a  space  of  from  four  to 
8ix  inches  btftween  the.  \vrists.  {Ptii-Ute  1.)  "Represents  the  boughs 
and  branches  used  in  the  construction  of  a  I'aiUte  wik-i-ni)." 

Place  the  tips  of  tiie  two  flat  hands  together  betbre  the  body,  leaving 
a  si)ace  of  about  six  i.iches  between  the  wrists.  {I'tv  I.)  "Outline  of 
the  shape  of  the  lodge." 

Couiiiig  out  of  a. 


Same  as  t!>i'  sign  forliOllffe,  Entering  a,  only  the  fingers  of  tlu'  right 
haml  point  i)bii(|uely  u|)ward  after  passing  under  the  left  hand.  ( Dakota 
I.)     "Coming  out  from  undercover." 

Entering  a. 


The  left  liauil  is  held  witi.  the  i»ack  ii  tward,  and  the  right  hand  also 
with  the  ba(rk  up  is  passed  in  a  curvilinear  direction  down  under  the 
other  side  of  it.  Tiie  left  haiul  here  represents  the  low  door  of  the  skiu 
lndg«^  an  i  the  right  \\w  man  stooping  to  pass  in.     {Lontj.) 

Pass  the  flat  right  hand  in  sluu-t  curves  under  the  left,  which  is  held 
a  short  distai>!("  tbrwanl.  [Wird.)  I  have  described  the  sanu?  sign.  It 
is  not  necessary  to  pass  the  hand  miue  t'aan  once.  Hy  saying  curves,  he 
seems  to  imply  many  |)asses.  If  the  hand  is  ]>assed  more  than  on<!e  it 
means  rejH'titioM  of  tlu»  act.  {.Uattheirs.)  The  coiuu'ption  is  of  r!ir  stoop- 
ing to  pass  thrtmgh  llni  low  entrance,  which  is  often  covered  by  a  flapof 
.skin,  sometinu>s  stretcdied  on  a  frame,  and  which  must  be  shoved  aside, 
and  the  subse<iuent  rising  when  the  entrance  has  been  ac(;omplished. 
In  the  same  tribes  now,  if  the  intention  is  to  speak  of  a  person  entering 
the  gesturer's  own  hxige,  the  light  isaud  is  jjassed  under  the  left  and 
toward  the  body,  near  whi<'h  the  left  hand  is  held;  if  of  a  i)erson  enter- 
ing the  lodge  of  an(tthe; ,  the  left  hand  is  held  further  tiimi  the  body  and 
the  right  is  passed  un(!er  it  and  outward.  In  bothca>ses  both  Inindsare 
slightly  curved  an<i  compressed. 

A  glhling  /novement  of  the  extended  hand,  Angers  Joined,  backs  up, 
downwan',  then  ascending,  indicative  of  the  .Ntooping  and  resum])tiun 
of  the  ut<right  i)osiii(Ui  in  entering  the  .same.     {Arapaho  I.) 

(1.)  Sign  for  LodK^e,  the  left  hand  being  still  in  position  used  in  nuik- 
ing  sign  for  Lodtfe;  (2)  foreflnger  and  ^hnmb  of  right  hand  brought 


<'.-.!, 

;'^1 


173 

to  ii  i)()iiit  and  thrust  through  tlie  outline  of  nn  imaginary  lodge  repre- 
sented by  the  left  hand.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Kirst  make  the  siv'n  for  Loil^e,  then  jdat'e  the  left  hand,  horizontal  and 
slightly  arched,  lietbre  the  body,  and  i)ns.s  tlu'  right  hand  with  extended 
index-ting»'r  underneath  the  left — forward  and  slightly  upward  bevond 
it.     [Dukotd   V  ;   Ahsurohi  I;   Slutslioni  and  li<tn<ikl;  Wifundot  I.) 

Left  han«l  (W),  tv.d.,  of  lingers  toward  the  right,  stati(»nary  in  fnmt 
of  the  left  breast ;  pass  the  right  hand  direetly  and  <|ui('kly  ont  from 
the  breast  under  tin*  stationary  left  hand,  ending  with  the  extended 
fingers  of  the  right  hainl  jioinfing  outward  and  slightly  downward, 
joined,  |)alm  downward  Hat,  liorizontal  (W).  (Ihikofti  I.)  "(Jone under; 
coveretl." 

The  left  hantl  palm  <;twnward,  fingertips  for»vard,  either  tjnitc!  ex- 
teiKh-^l  or  with  the  tingei  -  slightly  bent,  is  held  before  the  body.  Then 
the  right  hand  nearly  in  <iiiite  extended,  palm  downward,  finger  tips 
near  the  left  thumb,  and  pointing  towards  it,  is  passed  transversely 
under  the  left  hainl  and  one  to  four  inehes  below  it.  The  fingers  of  the 
right  hand  ]u»int  slightly  upwani  when  the  motion  is  eonii»leted.  This 
sign  usually,  but  not  invariably,  refers  to  entering  a  house.  {Mandaii 
(I  ml  Hiiliit.sn  1.) 

Phtrt-  rhe  slightly  curved  left  hand,  palm  down,  before  tht^  bicast, 
pointing  to  the  right,  then  pass  the  flat  right  hand,  ])abii  d(»wn,  in  a 
short  curve  forward,  under  and  ni)ward  bevond  the  left.  (I'te  I.)  "  Kvi- 
deiitly  from  the  manner  in  which  a  i»erson  is  obliged  to  stoop  in  entei- 
ing  an  ordinary  Indian  lodge." 

Ar»ving  away  a. 

Hold  tne  hands  as  for  liOflK'f  and  push  them  forw.ird  a  foot  or 
eighteen  inches.     (Ihibtta  1\'.) 


Moving  this  way  a. 


Hold  t!ie  hands  as  in  the  sign  for  liiMl^'t'  and  draw  them  toward  yon. 
{Dakota  l\'.) 

Taking  down  a. 


Make  the  sign  tor  Loil;{°('  and  <pii(;kly  throw  the  hands  ontwartl,  at 
the  sanu'  time  opening  all  of  the  lingers,     (Dakota  IV.) 

(Ireaf  eyouneil. 


Make  the  sign  for  liOd^t';  then  place  both  hands  sonunvhat  bent, 
palms  facing  alKuif  ten  inches  a])art,  and  pass  them  upward  from  the 
waist  as  high  as  the  face.     (UidatHH  I  ;  Arikarn  I.) 


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174 

Loiter.    To  KTad,  dawdle. 

The  hiuul  in  \nM  m  in  tho  sign  for  H^hite-tailed  Deer,  bnt  the 

tip  of  tho  in(U'xttn}?er  i.s  insMle  to  describe  lineH  of  two  or  more  feet  in 
lentjth  from  .side  to  side,  and  t«)  do  tills  tho  whole  arm  must  be  moved. 
{Mniulan  and  HidatHti  I.) 

Loii;?,  in  extent.     See  niff  in  the  sense  of  Lon^^. 

liOn^t  >■>  time.     8ee  Time. 

Looi4 !  ^ee ! 

Toneii  tlie  iij;lit  eve  witli  tlie  index  and  i)oint  it  outward.     (liiirton.) 

(1.)  Fore  anil  iniddh' linf-cis  of  ri<,'hr  liand  (extended,  placed  near  to 
the  eyes,  poinliiij'  ontwaid,  and  (!')  tiniist  witli  a  slight  downward 
eiirved  motion  (piicrkly  forward  toward  the  object  to  be  seen  or  looked 
at.     (('htj/ciuK'  1.) 

Initlnded  in  To  iooit,  Ne('illtf°,  with  the  addition  of  the  sign  for 
AfleilfiOH  made  lirst.     [Ihihotti  I.) 

liOoi«,  lo.    Neeiii^i. 

Fore  and  second  lingers  right  hand  (.\)  brongiit  to  liie  level  of  the 
«',\cs,  extended  fingers  pointing  outward.  i)ack  of  hiinil  iipwanl,  hori- 
zontal, is  then  carried  dirci-tiv  outward  on  the  same  level  with  a  slight 
toand  fro  or  sidcwise  motion  of  the  lingers.  Many  Sionx  Indians  use 
both  hands  in  makin<>  '^iis  sign  with  only  the  tordinger  of  ^/M/^fi  <'«teiided. 
{Otihilii  I.)     "Tiiriiing  the  eyes  in  looking."' 

I>rii>' miilf  iiahiiiil  s'nins. — INiiint  to  something  and  strain  tlioeye  toward 
it.  accompanied  by  an  expression  of  comnmnd.    {liullnnl.) 

I'nt  the  open  hand  on  the  shoulder,  or  the  hand,  or  the  arm  of  soin)>- 
body  (when  this  Itody  asks  what);  point  witli  the  forelingci  of  the  other 
hand  to  something  valnable  to  look  iit,  noddirg  the  head,  so  as  to  canse 
him  to  look  at  it,  and  then  to  lilt  np  the  eyes  toward  it.     (HiinrnHtah.) 

Kicp  the  eyelids  more  open  than  nsnal,  and  then  put  the  forelinger 
toward  one  of  the  eyes  and  (piickiy  stretch  and  keep  it  in  a  straight 
hue  from  the  same  eye.     {LtirxDM.) 

Place  the  I'orelinger  on  the  eye  and  then  point  with  it  as  if  to  point  to 
sennet  hing.     {/fii/liT.) 

Lo4»i4iiiK-t?laMM.    See  Hirror. 

IjOmI. 

The  right  hiind  is  brmight  in  front  of  brea:.t.  pulm  outward  (T,  with 
left  hand  palm  near  thumb  of  right),  right  is  moved  forward  at  the  same 


175 

tiiiu"  the  U'f't  is  moved  hack  toward  riylit  shoulder  in  oblique  upward 
position  with  palm  to  ri^jlit.  (Vhcyvmie  II.)  "The  rij^ht  is  the  object 
di8a|)pearin|j;  from  view  till  lost.     The  left  obstructs  the  sifjht." 

Use  the  same  hand  and  motions  as  in  Cra.'£y^  describ(>  rapidly  en- 
larj^inj;  circles,  then  reverse  motions  of  circles,  Point  in  ditferent  di- 
rections and  a};'ain  ie]>eat  thecir(;les  anmnd  the  head  from  ri^ht  to  left, 
with  rij^ht  lian<!.     (Ojihira  \V.) 

Mold  the  left  hsind  flat,  witli  the  palm  downward,  about  twelve  inches 
before  the  <•h«^st,  then  i)ass  the  n;;ht,  Hat  and  extended,  forward  under 
the  left  and  upward  be.vond  it,  toward  the  left.  {Kaimcn  I ;  (Jomanche 
III;   Apdche  II;    Wichita  II.) 

Lo^'c,  o]  AII(>(*fioii. 

The  <-liiiche<l  hand  pressed  hard  upon  the  breast.     (Ijomj.) 

Pantomimic  eMd)race.     (Arapalto  1.) 

Hoth  hands  (dosed,  rif^lit  slij^htl.v  above  the  left  and  brou^'ht  up  in 
fnmt  of  and  a  slijiht  distance  from  flic  breast,  and  hutrj^cd  t()  middle  of 
breast,  left  hand  below  the  rijj:lit.     (('hcyenin'  I.)     "The  endu'ace." 

8ann>  as  ;%4liiiiralioil.     (Pnhotn  I.) 

Cross  the  forearms  near  tlu'  wrists  on  the  ujjper  i»art  of  the  chest, 
hands  closed,  backs  forward.     (Ihib>t<(  IV.) 

Ilu^  both  hands  to  th"  bosom  as  it  claspiii};  somethiiij^  attectionately. 
{Wichita  I.) 

heuj'-mute  nuturul  «jV/«. — Ivi.ss  your  hand  an*l  point  to  the  heart,  with 
a  hap|)y  smile,     (dross.) 

Italian  sitpi. — Place  the  o\h'U  hand  over  the  heart,     (liiitler.) 

.Hale  (applied  to  animals). 
Make  a  tulip  with  forelln}>'er  of  right  hand  on  the  cheek.     [Dunbar.) 

■  Kifiht  liiin«l,  back  u|)ward,  tbreliiifici'  pointing  outward  and  upward, 
elevated  to  front  of  |)erson,  and  motiom>d  once  or  twice  up  and  down. 
{Cheyenne  I.) 

Same  as  ITIalc,  appli«>d  to  nmn.  {Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  male  organ 
of  generation." 

Ajjplied  to  man. 

Right  hand  (dosed,  tinust  through  the  left  hand,  which  then  clasps 
the  wrists,  very  slight  u]>-an(!-(U)wn  inotion  nuule.     {Cheyenne  I.) 


mW' 


mi 


AnotlKM-:  Kight  hand  (dosed,  lieM  in  obli(piely  erect  position,  left  hand 
loosely  clasping  it  and  rubbed  up  and  down  from  the  knuckles  to  the 
upjier  part  of  the  forearm.    {Cheyenne  I.) 


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176 

Another :  Right-hiuul  lingers  and  thumb  brought  to  a  imint  aud 
thrust  throuffli  the  left  hand,  which  then  chi8i»8  the  wrist  as  before; 
slifjht  ui)wanl  nu)tioii  made.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Left-liand  forertiif^ef  straijjfht,  i)ointiii{j  backward  and  upward;  fore- 
tiiiger  of  the  right  hand  hiid  across  thi^  bacii  of  the  left,  seemingly  to 
isolate  and  lengthen  ont  the  forefinger  of  the  left  hand.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Sign  tor  NqiiaH',  ttdlowed  by  that  of  I¥(>f|^af  ive.  Also,  sign  for 
IVIalf*  ai>|»lied  to  animals.     (Araimho  1.) 

Tlie  extended  foretinger  of  the  right  hand  (of  which  the  others  are 
closed)  is  laid  in  tiie  crot(;h,  finger  pointing  downwanl,  back  of  hand 
upward.     (Dukota  1.) 

Applied  t«»  man  and  animals. 

Ik'nf-iniite  udtiiral  .sit/ii. — Take  iioltl  of  tiie  pants,  at  the  siime  time 
shake  tiiem.     (Zeufhr.) 

iHaii. 

With  the  foretinger  of  the  right  liand  extended,  an<l  the  hand  shut, 
doseribc  a  line,  beginning  at  the  pit  of  the  stomach,  and  passing  down 
the  middle  of  tiu'  body  as  far  as  the  hand  cunvcnieiKly  v{';:c'ies,  holding 
the  hand  a  moment  l»etween  the  lower  extremities.     (J)itnh(ir.) 

A  linger  held  vertically.     {Lony.) 

Elevate  the  index  finger  and  turn  the  hand  hither  and  thither. 
(Wied.)  I  have  seen  oidy  the  sign  of  t  lie  erect  **iiger  without  the  mo- 
tions to  which  he  refers.  (Muttheirs.)  The  turning  of  the  hand  hither 
and  thither  |)robably  was  to  convey  more  than  the  simple  i«lea  of  num. 
It  might  have  meant  only  i>ne  man,  nv  that  a  nuiii  was  alone. 

A  finger  directed  toward  the  pubis.     (Maeyoivan.) 

Hold  the  index-tinger  erect  before  the  face.     (Ifodye.) 

(ieneraliy,  any  sign  as  a  Sioux,  a  Oheyenne,  etc.,  is  understood  to  re- 
fer to  the  male,  unless  tiie  sign  for  a  iSV/Mrtw  or  Winniin  follows.  (Am- 
jKiho  i.) 

Righthand  i»iilin  inward,  elevated  to  about  the  level  of  the  breast, 
foretinger  (tarelessly  ])oiiitiiig  iij>ward,  suddenly  ])oiiifed  straight  ap- 
wanl,  and  the  whole  hand  moved  a  little  tbrwaid,  at  the  same  time 
taking  care  to  keep  the  back  of  the  hand  toward  the  person  a(hlressed. 
(Cheyenne  1.) 

The  right  hand  is  held  in  front  of  the  right  breast  with  the  foretinger 
extended,  straight  upright  (J),  with  the  back  of  the  hand  outward, 
move  the  hand  upward  and  downward  with  finger  OAtended,  etc.    This 


^m 


177 

is  g(Mieral.    White  man  haa  a  special  sign,  also  uegro,  and  each  tribe 
of  Indians.     (Dakota  I.) 

First,  the  extended  right  index,  ]>()inting  forward,  back  upward,  is 
to  be  placed  horizontally  in  front  of  the  privates,  or  a  little  higher,  and 
the  hand  suddenly  lowered  about  an  inch.  Then  carry  the  hand  (index 
still  extended)  to  the  right  and  ujtward  through  an  arc,  and  bring  it  u]>- 
right  to  a  position  a  foot  or  so  in  front  ()f  the  right  shoulder,  its  baiik 
forward,  and  the  index  pointing  upward,  and  siuldeidy  move  it  forward 
an  in(;h  or  so.  While  nutking  these  movements  the  middle,  ring,  and 
little  fingers  are  to  be  closed  and  the  thumb  against  the  middle  tinger. 
(l)uliota  IV.)    "Male  one." 

Klevate  the  extended  index  before  the  right  cheek,  and  throw  the 
hainl  forward,  keeping  the  palm  toward  the  body.    {Ihikota  VI.) 

Place  the  ext«'nd('d  index,  i)ointing  n|)ward  and  forward,  before  the 
lower  portion  of  the  abdomen.     { Dakota  VII.) 

The  right  hand  in  the  ])osition  of  an  index-hand,  pointing  u|)ward,  is 
held  a  few  inches  in  front  of  th»'  altdonuMi  or  chcist,  the  outer  edge  of 
the  iiand  being  usually  forward.     {Mamlati  nnd  Jlittatsa  I.) 

The  left  arm  is  elevated  and  the  iiand,  in  type  jyosition  (S  1.  horizon- 
tal), is  drawn  across  b»>f(»re  the  body  on  a  level  with  the  shoulder.  The 
right  arm  is  then  raised  and  extended  before  the  body  with  the  hand,  in 
positHHi  (J  1),  more  stiffly  «'xten(hMl.  {Oto  and  Missouri  \.)  "A  being 
with  projecting  sexual  organ." 

Raise  the  (tlosed  hand,  with  the  index  only  extended  and  elevated, 
pointing  u|)ward  to  the  front  of  the  right  breast  (cheek  or  shoiihler) 
keejnng  the  back  of  the  hand  to  the  front.  {Kniowa  I;  Comanche  III  ; 
Apache  II;    Wichita  II.) 

The  forelinger  of  either  hand  is  brought  before  the  bodv,  pointing  up 
ward.     (I'ai  i'te  I.) 

Pass  the  extended  right  hand  downward,  forward  and  upward  from 
the  hip,  then  liiy  the  (extended  forelinger  acro;-is  tiie  I'ack  of  the  right 
wrist.    (Ute  I.)     "  Male  genital  organ  and  length  oi." 

Deaf-mute  naturc.l  Hignn. — Put  the  hav.tis  on  the  legs  and  dniw  the 
ha.'als  up,  in  imitat'on  o!'  the  twt  of  putviag  on  a  ]>air  of  p;iiitaloons. 
{}iaHarit.) 

Stretch  up  the  open  hand  over  the  h<>ad,  indicating  the  general  height 
of  the  man;  next  use  both  hands  as  if  to  stroke  the  beard  or  the  mus- 
tache, uid  then  nod  the  head.     (UaHcnutab.) 

Make  the  motion  of  taking  the  hat  fro. a  the  head,     lliarmtn.) 


#1 


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178 

Old.    (Compare  0|fl.) 

Hold  the  rifjht  hand,  heiit  at  elbow,  lingers  and  thumb  closed  side- 
wise.  {Cheyenne  I.)  "  Old  age  dependent  on  a  start'."  It  is  made  more 
emphatic  by  a  tottering  step. 

Place  the  right  extended  index,  pointing  forward,  back  upward,  hori- 
zontally ill  front  of  the  i)rivates,  and  suddenly  lower  the  hand  about  an 
inch,  as  for  Han;  tluMi  move  the  right  first,  its  ba<!k  outward,  from 
twelve  inches  in  front  of  the  right  breast,  fVu'ward  and  backward  two 
or  three  tinu's  about  a  foot,  describing  an  ellipsis  i)erpendicular  to  the 
gronnd.     (fhikota  IV,)     "  Progression  of  a  man  with  a  staff." 

Place  the  (iloscd  right  hand  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  elbow,  leav- 
ing the  intlex  curved  and  pointing  toward  the  ground.  If  the  man  is 
very  aged,  canse  the  hand  to  tremble  at  the  same  time  the  gesture  is 
nmde.     (Dakota  VII.) 

Kiglit  hand  closed,  forcliiiger  slightly  curved,  haiul  held  before  the 
body  or  right  hi|>,  i)iiliii  down,  allawing  the  fmelinger  to  droop  toward 
the  gronnd.  {('omanchv  H.)  "  Form  a  ])()sition  of  the  flaccid  glans  pe- 
nis of  an  old  man.'' 

Close  tlic  right  hand,  i)ointing  forward  from  the  body,  i)alm  down, 
then  i)artly  extend  the  index,  the  tip  pointing  toward  the  ground; 
the  lower  the  liaiu'  is  iicld  and  the  nun-e  the  index  is  crooked,  the  greater 
the  age  of  the  individual.  ( Utv  I.)  "  Curved  and  flaccid  glans  penis  of 
an  aged  individual." 

Toiuih  teeth;  make  the  sign  tor  IVe^^'^.tioii;  tou( ::  hair;  touch  whiJe 
tent.     [«'<'|.     (.l/;(ft7(e  111.)     "Toothless,  and  white  haired." 

Vonng. 

With  the  right  hand,  index  only  extended,  ])lace  the  hand  a  short  dis- 
tance in  front  of  tlie  hip  at  the  hei;,ht  of  the  elbow,  ])ointing  ujjward  at 
an  angh;  of  about  -'0°,  palm  to  the  left.  {Comanche  11.)  'Tendency  of 
erection  in  a  young  man." 

]VInr<*liiiiK.    »Se(  fiicinK'. 

iTIai'i'iaKe. 

There  is  no  marriage  cerentony  with  the  Sioux  Indians,  and  conse- 
(pu'iitly  no  sign  designating  "marriage,"  and  it  can  oidy  be  expressed 
by  f^oilipailioil.     {Dakota  \,) 

iVIai'i*i<>(l,  to  marry.    (Compare  Miiiiics  Similar.) 

The  hands  are  placed  in  front,  the  arms  pronated,  and  the  extended 
forefingers  (the  others  being  flexed)  are  i)laced  in  contact  side  by  side. 
(Manilan  and  Ilidatna  I.) 


Close  both  liaiids,  except  the  two  forefiiifiers,  and  phice  them  side  by 
side,  pointing  forward,  in  front  of  the  breast.  {Troquoix  I.)  Tliis  sign 
exju'esses  mated,  also  Imnhand  or  wife. 

Hring  the  two  forefingers  side  by  side,  hands  j>ronated.     (Zuni  I.) 

Italian  Hiffn. — Pretend  to  put  a  ring  on  the  ring  tinger,  or  lay  the  two 
forefingers  together  side  by  side;  yet  this  last  is  more  commonly  used 
of  any  union  or  harmony.     {liiitler.) 

match. 

As  though  striking  a  match  on  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  held  in  front 
of  breast,  with  the  right  han<l.  {Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  act  of  striking 
a  match." 

Hold  the  left  hand  before  tiie  body,  extended  and  i)ointing  toward 
the  right,  palm  down,  then  ])liice  tlu^  ti|)  of  the  thumb  of  the  right 
hand  against  the  iinU^x  and  second  finger  and  pass  them  (piickly  along 
the  inner  edge  of  the  left  hand  from  the  wrist  forward  ;•«  if  lighting  a 
match.  {Kaioica  I;  Comanche  III;  iShoslioni  and  lianak  1;  rte  I; 
Apache  I,  H;    Wichita  II.) 

TFedicine.     (Compare  Doctor.) 

Carry  the  right  hand  in  itosition  as  though  holding  a  bottle  in  front 
of  the  mouth,  and  then  tip  it  uj)  as  though  drinking  from  the  bottle. 
{Dakota  I.)     "Driidving  medicine  from  a  bottle." 

The  left  hand  with  the  arm  semi-extended  is  held  witii  tiic  back 
upward  before  the  body.  Tlu^  exttMided  index  of  the  right  hand 
then  rubs  on  the  back  of  the  left,  as  the  mixing  of  medicine  on  a  pill- 
tile.  Both  hands  with  the  fingers,  as  in  (<J),  are  then  held  tremblingly 
before  the  body's  sides.  The  extended  iiulices  next  compress  the  tem- 
j)les  and  the  countenance  assumes  an  ap|)earaiu!e  of  distress.  For 
medicine  to  induce  sleej),  (|uiet  c(mgh,  check  flow  of  blood,  or  j)urge, 
the  signs  api)ro|)riat(!  to  the  latter  conditions  or  words  are  conjoined. 
{Oto  and  Missouri  I.)     "  Something  stirred  up  for  inward  distress." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Use  the  sign  tor  ^i(*k,  ill,  and  thou  the 
sign  for  Drink.     {Zeiffler.) 

In  Indian  sense.    (Compare  Indian  Doctor,  shaman.) 

Stir  with  the  right  hand  into  the  left,  and  afterward  blow  into  the 
latter.  (  Wied.)  There  is  a  similarity  in  the  execution  of  the  {Oto  and  Mis- 
souri I)  ti\gii  and  ir/e^rw  sign.  The  stirring  in  the  left  uistead  of  on  its 
back  as  in  the  former  may  be  a  matter  of  (lapricc.  It  is  probable  tiiat  the 
conclusive  blowing  into  the  hand  in  the  latt^u'  is  to  add  mystery,  sis  in 
the  magician's  trick.  {Hoteler.)  All  persons  familiar  with  the  Indians 
will  understand  that  the  t«rm  "  medicine,"  foolishly  enough  adopted  by 


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180 

l)(»th  French  iiiul  Kii^^lisli  t<»  expri'HH  tlie  aboriginal  magic  arts,  lias  no 
tlivrapcntic  significance.  N'cry  few  even  i)reten<le(l  remedies  were  ad- 
ministered to  the  natives  and  probably  never  by  the  professional 
shaman,  who  worke«l  by  incantation,  often  jtulverizing  and  mixing  the 
snbstanees  mystically  nsed,  to  jneveiit  their  detection.  The  same  mix- 
tnres  were  employed  in  divination.  The  antluu'  particniarly  mentions 
Mandan  ceremonies,  in  wiiich  a  wiiite  "medicine"  stone,  as  hard  as 
pyrit<'s,  was  prodnced  by  rnbbing  in  the  hand  snow,  or  the  white  featli- 
ers  of  a  bird.  Tiie  blowing  away  of  the  disease,  considered  to  be  intro 
dnced  by  a  snpernatnral  power  foreign  to  the  body,  was  a  common  part 
of  tliejnggling  performan(!e. 

Tlie  right  iinh'x  is  pointed  towartl  the  ground  in  several  ditferent  di- 
rections in  front  of  the  body,  and  tiien  the  other  tingers  and  tlnunb  are 
extended,  and  th«  haiul  carried  from  the  median  liin^  of  tiie  body  with 
a  gradnally  decnasing  spiral  motion  to  directly  over  the  iiead,  where 
the  hand  points  upright,  edge  of  hand  toward  the  Iront.  (Dakota  \.) 
"  .Mystcrions,  lience  sacred  ;  jxtwer  of  herbs  over  disease." 

Ileiliriiic  If.nif.    Nliniiiaii.    (('om])are  Doctor.) 

This  donble  .sign  is  made  witii  the  right  hand,  describing  nnm  tirst. 
Itring  hand  up  to  front  of  rigiit  siioulder,  forefinger  straight  upright 
(J,  i)alm  inward);  move  forward,  then  bring  it  up  front  of  face  with  first 
and  second  lingers  str'iight  and  upward,  sei»arated  (M,  palm  inward). 
Then  make  tiiree  or  four  moves  in  a  cinrle  with  the  hand  in  tinit  position. 
The  ana  is  not  necessarily  moved,  only  the  hand  from  wrist  up.  (Cliey- 
eniie  U.)  "The  medicine  sign  as  made,  snp]>ose(l  t(»  represent  singing 
and  shaking  tne  wand  in  int-antations." 

^[ake  shaking  and  siiort  Jerking  motions  of  the  body,  with  arms  and 
hands  jerking  and  tingt>rs  pointing  to  and  around  head,  iu>ck,  and  body, 
with  wild  gestures  and  distorted  features,  also  short  quivering  steps, 
the  toes  .scarcely  leaving  the  ground,  and  wild  shakes  of  the  head. 
[Ojilnra  IV.) 

First  nmke  the  sign  for  Dakota  Indians  (See  TuinAl.  Skjn.s),  ((M'  any 
otiier  tribe,  as  may  be  desired),  then  the  sign  for  i?lan,  and  then  the 
right  hand  with  fore  and  index  fingers  extemled,  pointing  upward,  others 
closed  (i%),  is  carried  from  tln^  partially  exteiuled  ])osition  of  the  haml 
on  com|)leting  the  sign  for  iflail,  upward,  with  a  s])iral  motion,  directly 
above  the  head.     (Dakota  1.) 

Witii  its  index-finger  extended  and  pointing  upward,  or  all  the  fingers 
«'xtended,  biick  of  hand  outward,  nn)ve  the  right  hand  from  just  in  front 
of  th(^  forehead,  spirally  upward,  nearly  toarm's  length,  from  left  to  right, 
in  the  opposite  direction  to  the  sign  fur  Fool  and  Craxy.   (Dakota  IV.) 


181 

lOlcvato  iiiul  nttiito  tlio  extendtMl  index  before  tlio  forelieiul.  {Da- 
kota V'l ;  llulatna  I;  Ankara  I.) 

Hub  tlie  ri{>;lit  elieek  with  tlie  ])iibiiai-  .surface  of  tlie  extended  tiiifjers 
of  the  iif,'ht  liaud,  tlieu  nib  the  baek  of  tlie  (•h),sed  left  liaiid  witli  the 
index  and  seeond  fin;><'rs  of  tiie  rifjfht,  and  couehule  l».v  holdiii<r  the  left 
hand  before  the  face,  tlio  index  and  second  lingers  only  extenih'd  and 
separated,  pass  it  n|»\vard  and  forward  before  the  face,  rotatinjj-  it  in 
so  doinjj,  tlie  rotation  o<'cnrrin<i  at  tlie  wrist.  (luumca  I ;  Vomaiuhc  III; 
Apache  U;  Wichita  II.) 

Point  to  herbs  or  plants  at  a  short  distancre  from  the  body ;  imitate 
the  pomidin^'  up  of  the  same  in  a  vessel  with  the  ri^dit  hand,  iisiii^'  the 
left  as  if  lioldin<>'oiie,  then  make  thesij-ii  of  lo  l^fll.  (Apache  I.)  ''The 
preparation  of  jdaiits  or  herbs  for  internal  administration." 

Iflei't,  To.     (('om|)are  IjOtiffe.) 

ISrinK'  the  extended  forelin;;ers  from  either  side,  allow  the  ti|)s  to 
<!<uiie  toficther  before  tlu^  body,  keei)in};  the  wrists  about  six  inches 
ajsart.     (Kaioira  i;  r«>M((Hr/(/' 1 1 1  ;  Apache  II;    Wichita  II.) 

melon. 

Kin}>evs  of  the  riyiit  hand  separated  and  curved;  place  the  palm  about 
ten  or  twelve  inches  from  the  ;;round,  linjiers  pointing  forward,  and  pass 
it  forward  in  an  ujiward  curve,  correspondinjj  to  the  elimjifated  and  con- 
>ex  form  of  a  melon.  {Kaioira  1;  Comanche  III;  Ute  I;  Apttche  I,  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

.Hercry. 

Kxtend  both  foreliiififers,  pointing;'  upward,  ]ialiiis  t<»ward  the  breast, 
and  liohl  the  hands  befon' the  (-hest ;  then  draw  them  inward  toward 
their  respe«'tivt(  sides,  and  pass  them  u)>ward  as  hifjih  as  the  sides  of  the 
head  by  either  (rlieek.    {Kaioira  1;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.) 

On  another.  To  have. 

Hold  both  hands  nearly  side  by  side  before  the  chest,  i)alms  forward, 
foretinj^er,  only  extended  and  pointing;'  ui)ward  ;  then  move  them  for- 
ward and  upward,  as  if  passing-  them  by  the  checks  of  iinothcr  person 
f.(mi  the  breast  to  the  sides  of  the  head.  {Kaioira  I;  Comanche  III; 
Apache  II;    Wichita  11.) 

lllcxicaii.    (S«'e  also  Til niAi,  Sions.) 

Kifilit  hand  (V).  back  outward,  is  held,  with  liiiffers  iMtiiitiug  down- 
ward, at  the  chin.  {Dakota  \.)  "  From  the  wearinji  of  a  beard.  The 
Sioux  say  the  Mexicans  are  tlii'  only  Indians  that  wear  a  beard." 

Move  the  rij^ht  hand  in  a  small  circle  from  rit!:ht  to  left  beneath  the 
chin,  palm  upward,  Hn^jers  .semitlexed,  thumb  a^iiiiist  index.  {Dakota 
IV.)     "  From  the  beard  on  the  chin  of  the  first  they  saw.'' 


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IMa(H».  tlio  riglit  Imiul  about  tlin'c  incrlics  holow  the  cliiii,  wri.it  toward 
the  neck  and  knut-kh's  forward,  palm  np,  curve  the  spread  flnjjers  and 
tliiinih  NO  tliat  tlie  tipH  are  all  directed  to  one  |>oint;  then  w«)rk  the 
tinkers  and  thumb  at  the  se(;ond  joints  as  if  seratirhin^,  but  keep  the 
palm  motionless.  {Kaiotra  I;  domanchc  111;  Apache  II;  ]yichita  U.) 
"  Whiskers." 

Pass  the  tlat  ri^ht  han<l  across  the  cheeks  und  chin  from  ear  to  ear 
and  from  left  to  riuht.     {lite  I.) 

Kxtend  thumbs  and  foretlnp;ers  widely  about  head,  a  few  inches  from 
the  head.  (Aimclic  111.)  "Who  wear  hats  with  moderately  broad 
brims." 

nine,  .lly  |»ro|>ert>'.    H(>e  PoMMeMMion. 

.nirroi*. 

The  palm  of  the  hand  held  before  the  face,  the  tin}iers  ])ointin;i' 
upward.     (/>««</.) 

!Ma(!e  botii  jtalms  before  the  face,  and  a<lmire  your  countenance  in 
them.     {Hiirfoti.) 

Hi^'ht  hand  (H)  iield  in  front  of  the  fa<!e,  hand  and  head  turned  as 
tliou};h  looking'  at  dirterent  parts  of  the  face.  {Dakota  I.)  "  From  the 
use  of  a  lookinjjf  ;;lass." 

The  ere(!t  extended  ri}>ht  hand,  |)alm  backward,  is  held  before  the 
face,  at  about  the  distance  a  mirror  would  be  hehl,  and  the  ^h/m  is 
directed  toward  the  palm.     [Mantlan  and  IliilaiHa  I.) 

The  left  arm  is  elevated  an<l  semi-extended;  the  hand  is  then  in  posi- 
tion (W),  niodified  by  beiu},',  palm  up,  held  before  the  face  and  the  eyes 
intently  directed  as  lookiiiji'  therein.  {(Ko  and  Minnouri  I.)  "The  ordi- 
nary hantl mirror  used  anion^'  the  Indians." 

Iha/miite  natural  sifjn. — Outline  the  shape  of  a  mirror  with  the  two 
the  tbrelinKcrs  in  the  air,  then  place  the  hand  before  the  face  and  tix 
eye  upon  it.     (Halh(rd.) 

.TliMer  (a  ^ri]>iu}>'  man).    (Compare  PeiiiirioiiM.) 

Italian  si(fns. — Italians  exi)ress  this  idea  by  a  doubled  fist,  with  the 
fiufjers  curled  very  cilose  in  the  palm ;  also  with  the  fist  drawn  flrndy 
toward  one,  with  lingers  spread  like  claws  and  ulutchiug.     {Butler.) 

.llodeMt>'. 

Italian  ttif/n. — Cover  the  eyes  with  the  fingers  of  one  hand  drawn 
apan.    {Butl»r,) 


183 

IVfoiiey  (iiu'tallic). 

Witli  tli»  i-i^lit  hand  point  downward  toward  a  piuuo  of  int;tal,  and 
tliun  carry  it  U)  tiiu  luft  liaiid  held  in  front  ot  fin;  ImkI.v  liori/.ontall.v,  with 
palm  npwanl  (X)  as  thon^^li  piittin^;  tlio  |ti(M-tt  of  metal  in  it,  and  then 
with  tin;  «;d^(;  of  the  tinkers  of  the,  <;l<M*>d  ri;;lit  tint  (A  1)  pound  in  thu 
palm  of  th(^  left.    {Itakohi  I.)    "This  is  sliapin);  the  metal  inltt  coins." 

I'ajter. 

Point  to  a  pi(>ce  of  jtaper  with  tin;  ri^ht  hand,  anil  tlien  witli  it  make 
the  si;;n  for  Wrifin)(over  th(>  l«>ft  hand  held  in  front  of  the  left  breast, 
with  the  thumb  and  forelin^i'cr  des(!rii)in},' a  sc^nieircle,  witli  tiu'  free  ends 
l)ointinK  downward,  other  llufjers  <;losed.  (Diikotn  I.)  "This  indicates 
money  with  writinj;  on  it." 


.Tlooii  or  JTIoiilli. 

The  thumb  and  tln«:ers  are  elevated  toward  the  ri;jlit  ear.  This 
Hi<>'n  is  nr|.||,.|-iilly  pre(;eded    by  the   si;;n    for   .\i;;iil  or  llarklK'MM. 

{Diinhar.) 

Make  the  si^n  for  Nun,  after  having  nnid(>  tiiat  for  .\i;(lil.     (  Wiiil.) 

Combim^  si<rns  for  iVi^'lil  amt  Null.  To  distin^iiisli  from  the  stars 
or  a  star,  indicat<>  relative  apparent  sizes.     (Ariipulio  I.) 

The  rifiht  hand  closed,  leavinj;  the  thumb  and  index  extended,  i>ut 
curved  to  form  a  iialf  circle,  and  iiold  the  hand  towai'd  the  sUy  nearer 
the  i'astern  horizon  than  zonitli.  (Almwokn  I ;  Hidtitsii  I  ;  \\'i/i(inlt>t  I ; 
Ariknrn  I;  ShoHlioni  and  lianak  I;   Vie  I.) 

First  make  the  si{;n  for  .l^i^'lit,  and  then  the  si^ni  for  the  Nun. 
{Ifdkittii  1.)     "  Niffht  sun  or  luminary.'' 

First  make  the  si;;!!  for  .^ooil,  and  then  the  ri;;ht  index  is  held 
upn;>ht  in  front  of  the  body  to  indicate  luw.     (Pakota  I.) 

Same  as  for  Null,  but  instead  of  the  si<rn  for  Day  make  the  one 
for  .\'iK'h<'  Foi-Qiiarter-iiioon  ami  Hali-iiioon  tlau-udsof  the 
index  ami  thumb  are  ke^tt  about  four  in(;hes  apart,     [hakota  1V\) 

Same  as  foi'  Null,  except  that  the  ti])s  of  the  tin^rd-  and  tiiumb, 
instead  of  bein;,'  opposed,  are  approxinnited  so  as  to  represent  a  cres- 
cent.    {Mandiin  and  Ilidntna  I.) 

Fxtend  the  curved  index  ami  thumb  so  as  to  form  a  crescent,  close 
the  remaininj^  tinjjers,  and  raise  the  hainl  toward  the  sky,  with  the  outer 
ed{je  of  the  hand  forward  [Kaiowa  1;  C'o/«««c/*€  II I ;  Apache  11;  Wi- 
diita  II.) 

Uhe  index  and  thumb  are  curved  so  as  to  form  a  half  circle,  the  remain- 
ing tinkers  closed.    (Apache  I.) 


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Make  a  cresent  with  tliuinb  mid  index,  project  it  toward  the  westevi 
horizon,  and  by  successive  jerks  carrj'  tlie  same  to  zenitii.  {Apache  II.I.) 
"  Xew  moon  first  seen  above  western  liorizon,  seen  ea(!h  night  succes- 
sively hij^lier  toward  zenith." 

Dc(i/-muff  unturiil  sit/it. — Move  tlie  liaiid  in  a  curved  line  from  the 
settinj;  to  the  rising  of  the  sun,  and  turn  the  tbretinger,  outstretched, 
ar(»und  and  around  like  a  wheel.     (iMrson.) 

New. 

Close  the  right  hand,  extend  and  curve  the  index  and  thumb  so  that 
they  form  a  half  tMrcle  ;  tiien  hold  the  hand  towaril  the  eastern  horizon. 

(f>I.) 

Full. 


Reach  out  l)oth  arms  as  if  hugging  a  tree,  then  make  the  sign  tor 
.Tloon.     iUtel.) 

Make  a  crescent  witli  thumb  and  index,  project  same  to  western  hori- 
horizon,  and  by  several  successive  Jerks  from  west  to  east  change  crescent 
to  circle ;  hold  at  eastern  horizon ;  retrograde  toward  the  west  with  a 
few  less  distinct  Jerks.     {Apache  111.)     "Apparent  lunar  course." 

Montli. 


Sign  for  .TIooil,  and  passed  across  tiie  heavens  from  east  to  west. 
{Apache  I.) 

Denfmute  natural  >ii(jiin. — Make  a  zigzag  motion  in  the  air  witii  the 
forell  nger.     ( Ballard.) 

Move  the  finger  in  a  zigzag  way.     {Larson.) 

.Hore.     See  .4«l<l. 

ITIoriiing^.    See  Eawt. 

.Mother.    See  Relationship. 

.Yloiinlain.    (Comi)are  Hill.) 

Outline  its  j)roJection  against  the  sky  with  the  hand,  to  which  may  be 
added  sign  for  Hi^'h — as  a  hill.     {Arapaho  I.) 

Right  hand  (A  1)  to  the  left  side  on  level  of  the  face  is  drawn  in  front 
of  the  face  to  the  right  side  on  the  same  level,  where  it  is  held  for  a 
inouieiit.    {Dakota  I.)    "A  height  or  mountain  directly  in  front." 

Strike  the  i)alm  of  the  left  hand  with  the  back  of  the  right  fist,  palm 
of  left  hand  backward;  close  the  left  hand,  turning  its  I  tack  outward, 
and  raise  the  right  list  two  feet  above  it,  and  then  make  the  sign  for 
Itarge.    {Dakota  IV.) 


185 

Plare  both  hands,  flat  and  extended,  thninb  to  tliiimb,  with  pahiis 
downward,  in  front  of  and  as  liigli  as  the  head;  tlien  pass  them  outward 
and  downward  toward  their  respeetive  sides,  describing  the  u|)per  half 
of  a  circle,  and  bring  them  back  to  the  point  of  starting.     (  Wyandot  I.) 

Place  the  flat  and  ext(Mided  left  hand  edgewise  before  the  face,  thuml) 
resting  on  tne  forefinger,  back  forward,  finger  tips  jjointing-toward  the 
riglit.     (Utel.) 

Hold  both  hands  up  before  the  body  as  if  molding  a  nnmntain;  thrust 
hand,  on  edge,  downward  over  other  hand  in  several  directions.  (Apctcke 
III.)     "  Cahons  down  its  sides." 

Deqfmute  natural  sigm, — Use  one  hand  so  as  to  represent  a  plane 
inclined  ii]>ward,  and  move  the  other  hand  over  and  above  it.    (Ballard.) 

Move  tlie  outstretched  hand  obliipiely.     (Zeif/ler.) 
Divide. 


Hold  the  left  hand  flat,  and  extended  before  the  face,  fingers  i)ointing 
toward  the  right,  the  tij)  of  the  thumb  slightly  turned  ui)\vard ;  then 
with  the  extended  index  indicate  the  gaj)  over  the  left  palm  against  the 
base  of  tlie  upturned  Joiut  of  tlie  thumb,  allowing  the  index  to  go  down 
upon  the  back  a  siujrt  distance.     (Apache  1.) 


Pass. 


Place  the  flat  and  extended  left  hand  edgewise  before  the  body,  elevate 
the  thumb,  thus  forming  a  crotch ;  tlien  pass  the  index,  poiiitiug  over 
the  left  hand,  between  the  thumb  and  forefinger,  from  the  palmar  side 
down  over  the  back.     (Ute  I.) 

Range. 


Make  the  sign  for  IVIoiintaill,  holding  the  hand  at  various  points 
continuously  toward  the  horizon.  (Utel.)  "  Mountain,  and  contiiuia- 
tion  of,  along  the  horizon." 

]?love,  To. 

The  oidy  ditt'erence  from  marchings,  Traveling',  consists  in 
reversing  the  direction  of  the  arched  movements  of  the  haiuLs,  bringing 
them  toward  tlie  body  instead  of  carrying  them  from  the  body.  (Da- 
kota I.)     "  Moving  toward  you." 


I 


111 
■  .<  i 


1 


much.    See  (Quantity. 

mud. 

Both  fists  pushed  alternately  downward  to  the  ground  several  times. 
{Raiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;   Wichita  II.)    "  Horse's  feet." 
24 


III 


i:H 


I 

;,i"i 


I*  t' 


:t! 


'  ' 


186 

]fliile,  or  Amn, 

Hold  th3  o]>en  hands  hifjfh  beside  tlie  head,  and  move  them  from  back 
to  front  several  times  like  winjjs.  (Wied.)  This  sign  is  still  in  use. 
(Mntthercs.) 

To  denote  the  mule  or  ass  the  long  ears  are  imitated  by  the  indices 
on  both  sides  and  above  the  head.     {Tiurton.) 

H<»th  hands,  fingers  and  thumbs  brought  to  a  point,  placed  by  the 
side  of  the  head,  hollows  forward,  moved  slightly  backward  and  for- 
ward.    {Chri/enne  I.) 

The  liands  (T)  at  their  iesi)e('tive  sides  of  the  head  make  movements 
resembling  the  Hoi)ping  of  the  mule's  ears.  {Dalota  I.)  "From  the 
mule's  habit  of  Ho]»])ing  his  ears." 

Move  the  opened  upright  hands  back  and  forth  several  times  above 
the  ears.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Place  both  Hat  and  extended  hands  to  either  side  of  the  head,  the 
wrists  as  high  as  the  ears,  then  rock  the  liands  to  and  fro  several  times, 
nuivement  being  made  at  the  wrists.    ( Ute  1 ;  Apache  I.)     "  Large  ears.'' 

]?liirdei*. 

ffaUnn  si(/n. — Push  the  thumb  against  the  heart  with  a  stern  look. 
dill  tier.) 

Mute. 

Place  the  extende«l  and  joined  fingers  of  the  right  hand  over  the 
closed  lips.     (Kalowal;  Coma iiche  lU ;  Aijache  11;   Wichita  II.) 

]Veai*  or  ^ooii. 

The  hands  are  brought  before  the  l>ody  both  in  type  position  (H  1), 
motlitied  by  the  tist  being  a  little  niore  closed  and  the  index  a  little  more 
extended ;  the  points  of  indices  then  touch  and  are  rotated  together. 
Speaking  of  near  future,  the  rotary  movement  forward  is  executed. 
[Oto  I.)     '' Ai)proaching  contact." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Move  the  forefinger  from  here  to  there  a 
short  distance.     (Ballard) 

Use  the  sign  for  ^mall^at  the  same  time  point  with  the  forefinger  as 
if  to  sometiiing  at  the  feet  and  then  to  something  at  a  short  distance. 

(Zeiyler.) 

IVe^TO.    (Compai-e  Timbal  8i(}NS.) 

First  nnike  the  aign  for  l¥hite  Iflan,  then  rub  the  hair  on  the  right 
side  of  the  head  with  the  Hat  hand.  (Wied.)  The  present  common 
sign  for  "black"  is  to  rub  or  touch  the  hair,  which,  among  Indians, 
is  almost  universally  of  that  color. 


,.., 

^  §  '' 

ii\ 

''V 

m 

Ik. 

187 

IMace  the  l«^ft  forearm  transversely  before  the  body,  hand  extended, 
dat,  pahn  down,  then  pass  the  Hat  rijjht  hand  downward  from  the  lower 
jtortion  of  the  breast,  forward  and  ujjward  (formin}»  a  curve);  then  in- 
dicate any  object  tliat  has  a  black  color.  [Ahmroka  1 ;  i'ihonhoni  aiitl 
Banal-  I.)     "  Literally— bor.j  black." 

.Mak(i  the  sijjn  for  W^iile  illail,  then  i)oint  at  a  black  ol)je(!t,  or 
rub  alonjj  the  back  of  the  left  hand  with  the  hnjieis  of  the  right  (for 
black).     (Dakota  IV.) 

Touch  tiie  hair  with  the  fiufiers  of  the  rijjlit  hand,  then  ri'b  tiie 
thumb  and  middle  tinjjer  together  as  if  sna])])iug  theni.  Kinky  hair. 
( ]Viiaiuht  I.) 

Sweep  the  hand  over  the  hair('W);  gather  it  up  in  Hnger-tips  (U, 
witli  thumb  advanced  to  tinger-tips).     {Apadie  111.) 

Another:  Sweep  the  hand  over  the  face;  then  touch  some  bhick 
object.     (A2)achc  III.)     "(1)  Kinky  hair.     (2)  Black  tace." 

(Jrasp  the  hair  between  the  thumb  and  index,  rolling  it  several  times 
between  theui.     ( ^Yichita  I.) 

The  two  hands,  open  and  extended,  crossing  one  another  horizontally. 
(I)nnhar.) 

The  head,  with  the  eyes  closed,  is  laterally  inclined  for  a  moment 
upon  the  hand.  As  many  times  as  this  is  repeated,  so  many  nights  are 
indicated.  Very  fre(iuently  the  sign  of  the  Sun  is  traced  over  the 
heavens,  from  east  to  west,  to  indicate  the  lapse  of  a  day,  and  precedes 
the  motion.     {Long.) 

Move  both  hands,  open  and  tlat — that  is  horizontal — backs  up,  and  in 
small  curves  in  fnmt  of  the  breast  and  over  one  another.  (  Wial.)  This 
1  believe  to  be  primarily  the  sign  for  darkness,  secondarily  feu-  night. 
Night,  as  a  period  of  time,  is  more  commonly,  I  think,  indicated  by  the 
sign  for  sleej).  {Matthews.)  The  Prince  of  WiciVs  sign  differs  from  the 
{Oto  and  Missouri  1)  in  execution  and  conception,  one  reitresentiiig  the 
course  of  the  cause  (sun),  the  other  the  effect,  obscurity,  w  night.  "  The 
time  or  day  that  the  sun  moves  beneath  us  when  we  sleep."  {Botcler.) 
The  conception  is  coveriny  and  consccpient  obscurity.  In  tlie  sign  for 
Day  by  the  same  author  he  probably  means  that  the  hands,  palms  ui>, 
were  moved  apart,  to  denote  openness. 

Make  a  closing  movement  as  if  of  the  darJcness  by  bringin  ,'  \gether 
both  hands  with  the  dorsa  upward  ami  the  fingers  to  the  knv.  The 
motion  is  from  right  to  left,  and  at  the  end  the  two  indices  are  along- 
side and  close  to  each  other.    This  movement  must  be  accompanied  by 


,'M.i   1 


■^fSt 


■ii^] 


I'M 


mm 


mWi 


M 


I!  ; 

>  ■■  i 


ti 


k^r- 


188 

bending  forward  with  bowed  head,  otlierwise  it  may  be  misunderstood 
for  the  freezing  over  of  a  hike  or  river.     (Burton.) 

The  sign  for  Day  reversed.    {Arapaho  I.)     "  Everything  is  closed.'' 

Both  luinds  outspread,  palms  facing,  i)assed  in  front  of  tlie  body  and 
crossed,  the  right  hand  over  the  left.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

I'lace  the  Hat  hands  in  fnnit  of  and  as  high  as  the  elbows,  ])alnis  up, 
then  throw  them  inward  toward  the  middle  of  the  breast,  the  right  over 
the  left,  turning  the  palms  downward  while  making  the  gesture.  (Abm- 
roka  1;  Hidafsa  I;  Kalnwa  1;  Arikaral;  Comanche  \\l ;  Shonhoni  and 
Banak  1;  Apache  II  ;  Wichita  II.)  Xotc. — "For  the  plural,  the  sign  is 
repeated  two  or  three  times  and  the  nnmbor  indicated  by  elevating  the 
fingers  of  the  left  hand,  and  right  if  necessary.  Time  is  reckoned  by 
nights,  and  if  but  two  or  three  nights  (or  days)  are  nu'utioned,  the  sign 
is  made  that  number  of  times  without  elevating  the  fingers,  the  nundjer 
of  rimes  the  gesture  being  nuule  referring  to  the  number  of  days,  with- 
out the  accomi)anying  numeration." 

Extend  the  arms  to  full  cai)a('ity  to  the  sides  of  the  body  on  the  level 
of  the  slioulders,  ])alms  downward,  fingers  joined,  etc.  (as  liV),  and  then 
move  them  to  the  front  of  the  body  on  the  same  level  or  on  a  slight 
curve  until  tliey  have  crossed  eacli  other  at  the  wrists.  (Dakota  I.) 
"  The  coming  of  darkness — the  ch)sing  in  of  night." 

Extend  both  hands  to  tlie  front  at  about  the  height  of  the  elbow  (as  in 
"W),  and  then  slowly  move  both  at  the  same  time,  the  right  hand  to 
the  left  and  the  left  hand  to  the  riglit,  passing  one  above  the  other, 
representing  the  darkness  closing  over  the  earth.     (Dakota  III.) 

From  a<lvanced  positions,  two  feet  apart,  about  eighteen  inches  in 
front  of  the  line  of  the  body,  pointing  forward,  palms  downward,  at  the 
height  of  the  lower  part  of  the  chest,  carry  the  opened  hands  inward, 
each  one  describing  an  arc,  until  they  i)oint  obliquely  forward  and  out- 
ward, the  right  two  orthree  inches  above  the  left.  (Dakota  IV.)  ''Dark- 
ness covers  all." 

Place  the  fiat  hands,  i)alm  down,  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  elbows, 
then  move  them  horizontally  toward  and  past  each  other  until  the  fore- 
arms cross.     [Dakota  VII.) 

The  sign  for  Day  is  first  com])leted;  then  the  hand,  in  position  (1 1), 
iiulex  more  oi)ened,  describes  an  arc  of  the  horizon  inverted,  as  the  sun 
beneath  us;  this  is  followed  by  the  sign  for  iSleep,  the  eyes  closed  and 
the  head  inclining  to  the  right,  supported  in  the  open  hand.  (Oto  and 
MisHOuri  I.) 

lioth  hands  placed  in  front  of  the  eyefi,  pabns  facing,  and  slowly 
closed,  the  eyes  being  closed  at  the  same  time.    (  Wyandot  I.) 


189 

Denfmnte  natural  Hu/ns. — Move  the  forefinger  downward  from  the 
west  to  the  east.     ( Ballard.) 

Use  the  slint  hand  as  if  to  scn'tch  a  match.    {lL,HenHtah.) 

]¥o,  not.    8ee  also  Know,  I  don't.     (Compare  IVotliins-.) 

Tlie  hand  Iiehl  nji  before  the  face,  with  thepahii  outward  and  vibrated 
to  and  fro.     (Dunbar.) 

Tlic  liand  waved  outward  with  the  tiiumb  npward.     {Lomj.) 

Wave  tlie  rif;ht  hand  quiciily  b.v  and  in  front  of  the  face  toward  the 
riyht.     (  Wied.)     l{efnsin}>'  to  accept  the  i(h'a  or  statement  ])resented. 

.Move  tlie  hand  from  right  to  left,  as  if  moti(niing  away.  This  sign 
also  means  "I'll  have  nothing  to  do  with  yon."    {Burton.) 

I{ight-han<l  fingers  extended  together,  side  of  hand  in  front  of  and 
facing  the  face,  in  front  of  tiie  month  and  waved  suddenly  to  the  right. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

A  dei)recatory  wave  of  the  right  hand  from  front  to  right,  lingers 
extended  and  joined.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Place  the  right  hand  extended  before  the  body,  lingeis  pointing  up- 
ward, palm  to  the  front,  tlien  thi-.tw  the  hand  outwanl  to  the  right,  and 
slightly  downward.     (Ahsaroka  1;  Hidatsa  l;  Arikara  I.) 

The  right  hand,  horizontal,  Hat,  palm  downward  (\¥),  is  i)ushe<l  side- 
wise  outward  and  toward  the  right  from  the  left  breast.  Ko,  none,  I 
have  none,  etc.,  are  all  expressed  by  this  sign.  Often  these  Indians  for 
yo  will  8inii)ly  shake  the  head  to  the  right  and  left.  This  sign,  although 
it  may  have  originally  been  introduced  froffi  tiie  white  people's  habit  of 
shaking  the  head  to  express  A'o,  has  been  in  use  among  them  for  as  long- 
as  the  oldest  i)eople  can  remember,  yet  they  do  not  u.se  the  variant  to 
express  Yes.     (Dakota  1.)     "Dismissing  the  idea,  etc." 

Place  the  opened  relaxed  right  hand,  pointing  toward  the  left,  back 
forward,  in  front  of  the  nose  or  as  low  as  the  breast,  and  throw  it  for- 
ward and  outward  about  eighteen  inches.  Some  at  the  same  time  turn 
the  i»alm  upward.  Or  make  the  sign  at  the  height  of  the  breast  with 
both  hands.  (Dakota  IV.)  "Represents  the  shaking  of  the  head. 
Our  shaking  of  the  head  in  denial  is  not  so  universal  in  the  Old  World 
as  is  popularly  supposed,  for  the  ancient  Oreeks,  followed  by  the  modern 
Turks  and  rus^tic  Italians,  threw  the  head  back,  instead  of  shaking  it, 
for  No. 

Hold  the  dat  hand  pointing  upward  before  the  right  sidp  of  the  chest, 
then  throw  it  outward  and  downward  to  the  riglit.     (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 


* 


in 


<ti 


I 


It 


ll 


I 


IS 


ii 


M" 


Mil 


190 

Tlie  hand  extonded  or  slifjhtly  curviMl  is  lield  in  frimt  of  tho  body  a 
little  to  tlie  ri}j;lit  of  tlio.  median  line;  it  i.s  tiien  carried  witli  a  rapid  .sweep 
a  foot  or  more  farther  to  the  riyht.     (Mandan  and  UiilafHa  I.) 

Place  the  hand  as  in  Yew,  and  move  it  from  side  to  side,  {froqitoin 
I.)     "A  shake  of  the  head."; 

Throw  the  Hat  ri};ht  hand  forward  and  ontward  to  the  rijiht,  i»alm  to 
the  front.     [Kalowa  I;  Vomnnchv  \\\\  .l/>rtr/(r  II;    Wichita  II.) 

(^nick  motion  of  ()])enhand  from  the  mouth  lorward,  palm  toward  the 
moutii.     {Sahaptiii  I.) 

IMace  hand  in  front  of  body,  fin<;ers  relaxed,  i)alm  toward  body  (Y  1), 
then  with  easy  motion  move  to  |>oint,  say,  a  foot  from  body,  a  little  to 
riyht,  lin<>ers  same,  but  palm  upward.  (Saliaptin  I.)  "We  <lon't  agree.'' 
To  express  All  ffone,  use  a  similar  motion  with  both  hands.    "  Emi)ty." 

Elevate  the  extended  index  ami  wave  it  quickly  from  side  to  side 
before  the  face.     This  is  sometimes  a(!com])auied  by  shaking  the  head. 

{PaiUtvl.) 

Extend  the  index,  holding  it  vertically  betbre  the  face,  remaining 
fingers  and  thumb  closed;  ])ass  the  finger  cpiickly  from  side  to  side  a 
foot  or  so  before  the  face.  (Apache  I.)  This  sign,  as  also  that  of  (I'ai- 
Ute  1),  is  substantially  the  same  as  that  with  the  same  siguificauce  re- 
ported from  Naples  by  Di;  Joino. 

Wave  extended  haiul  before  the  face  from  side  to  side.     {Apache  III.) 

Auother:  The  right  hand,  naturally  relaxed,  is  thrown  outward  and 
forward  toward  the  right.     [Apache  I.) 

Extend  the  ])alm  of  the  right  hand  Innizontally  a  foot  fVom  the  waist, 
palm  downward,  then  suddenly  throw  it  half  over  from  the  body,  as  if 
tossing  a  chip  from  the  ba(;k  of  the  hand.     {  Wichita  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Shake  the  head.     (Ballard.) 

Move  both  hands  from  each  other,  and,  at  the  same  time,  shake  the 
head  so  as  to  indicate  "  no."     (Jlasenstah.) 

Our  deaf  mutes  for  emi)hatic  negative  wave  the  right  hand  before  the 
face. 

The  Egyptian  negative  linear  hieroglyph  is  clearly  the  gesture  of  both 
hands,  palm  down,  waved  apart  horizontally  and  apparently  at  the  level 
of  the  elbow,  between  which  and  the  Maya  negative  particle  "?nrt"  given 
by  Landa  there  is  a  sti'ong  coincidence. 

IVone,  iVothingr;  I  have  none. 

"  Little  "  or  "  nothing  "  is  signified  by  passing  one  hand  over  the  other. 
{Ojibica  I.) 


w 


191 
Motion  of  rnbhiiip:  out.    {Macfiownn.) 

May  alno  l»e  Hi^ruiticd  by  smartly  brushiiif;  tlio  riglit  liaml  a<jrosH  tlie 
N'ft  troiii  th«'  wrist  toward  the  fingers,  botli  liaiuls  extended,  pahns  to- 
ward ea<-h  otlier  and  finj,a'rs  joined.     (Aruimho  J.) 

Ik  iii«dii(b-d  in  fwone,  DeNtroved.    (Dakota  I.) 

Anotlier  :  I'laee  tbeo)»ened  left  hand  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  navel, 
pointing;  forward  and  to  right,  ])aini  obli(iuely  upward  and  baekward, 
and  Hweep  tlie  ])alin  of  the  oj)en  right  hand  forward  and  t(»  tiie  right  over 
it  and  about  a  foot  tiirough  a  eurve.     [Dakota  IV'.)     "All  bare." 

I'asn  the  ulnar  hUW.  of  the  right  index  along  the  radial  side  of  the  left 
index  fnmi  tip  to  base.  Sonu^  roll  the  right  index  over  on  its  ba<;k  as 
they  move  it  ah)ng  tlie  left.  The  hands  are  to  be  in  front  (»f  the  navel, 
baeks  forward  and  outward,  the  left  index  straight  aiul  pointing  for- 
ward and  to  the  right,  the  right  index  straight  and  pointing  forward 
and  to  the  left;  the  otlier  fingers  loosely  closed.     [Dakota  IV.) 

With  the  right  han<l  pointing  obliquely  forward  to  the  left,  the  left 
forward  to  the  right,  palms  ui>war(l,  move  them  alteinately  several 
times  up  and  down,  striking  the  ends  of  the  fingers.  Or,  the  left  hand 
iM'ing  in  the  abov«'  position,  rub  the  right  palm  in  a  eirele  on  the  left 
two  or  three  times,  and  then  move  it  forward  and  to  the  right.  [Dakota 
VI.)     "  HublK'd  out.     That  is  all.     It  is  all  gone." 

Pass  the  jialm  of  tlu^  fiat  right  hand  over  the  left  from  the  wrist  to- 
ward  and  of!' of  the  tips  of  the  fingers.     [Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Hnmli  the  |ialm  of  the  left  hand  from  wrist  to  finger  tips  with  the 
]>alm  of  the  right.     (  Wtfandot  I.) 

Anotlier:  Throw  both  hands  outward  toward  their  respective  sides 
from  the  breast.     (  Wyandot  I.) 

I'ass  the  flat  right  palm  over  the  pilm  of  the  left  hand  from  the  wrist 
forward  over  the  fingers.  [Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  \U;  Apache  II',  Wi- 
chita II.)    "  WijK'd  out." 

Hold  the  left  hand  open,  with  the  [>aliu  uitward,  at  the  height  of  the 
ellM)w  and  l)efore  the  body ;  pass  the  right  (juickly  over  tlu^  left,  palms 
tou(;hing,  fn)m  the  wrist  toward  the  tij)s  of  the  left,  as  if  brushing  off 
dust.     [Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sif/n. — Place  the  hands  near  each  other,  iialms 
downward,  and  reverse  and  move  them  over  in  opposite  directions. 
[Ballard.)  > 


IT'S 


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192 

AniitniMnnsign. — Panitie  (none  or  notliinp).  For  inHtivnce,  a  native 
says  liomako  inf/ina  (f^ivo  a  tomahawk).  I  ri'i>ly  by  sliakiii};  tlic  hand, 
thumb,  and  all   tingei-H,  4ei>arat(Hl  and  loo8<'ly  extended,  ]>alin  down. 

(ISinnth.) 

Exhanstcd  for  the  present. 


Hold  both  liands  naturally  relaxed  nearly  at  arm's  Ien}jrth  before  the 

body,  i»alms  toward  the  faee,  move  them  alternately  to  and  fro  a  few 

inehes,  allowing'  tiie  llnf^ers  to  strike  those  of  the  oi)]»()site  hand  each 

time  IIS  far  as  the  second  joint.     (Kaioira  I ;  Cotnanchc  l\\  ;  AjKtchcW; 

Wichitd  II.) 

1  have  none. 


Ikiifuuite  HdtKnil  .sif/ns, — Expressed  by  the  si};ns  for  none,  after  point- 
inj;  to  one's  self.     (liuUafd.) 

Stretch  the  tinijiue  and  move  it  to  and  fro  like  a  jiendidum,  tlien 
shake  the  head  as  it  to  say  "no."     [Zc'Kjlcf.) 

]Vooii.    See  Day. 

Hiyht  index  crooked,  turned,  i)ointin}>-  downward  (other  tiii}j;ers  and 
thumb  closed),  is  passed  downward  fvom  the  U])per  part  of  the  nose  to 
the  level  of  the  nostrils,  with  back  outward  ami  tinker  touching  the  nose. 
{Dakota  I.) 

Bleedinji-. 


Lean  the  head  slightly  forward  and  continue  the  movement,  as  above 
given,  downward  from  the  level  of  the  nostril,  and  repeat  several  times, 
which  indicates  the  drojtping  of  the  blood  from  the  nostrils,     (l)alota  1.) 

IVow,  at  once. 

Tlie  two  hands  forming  each  a  hollow  and  brought  near  each  other 
and  put  into  a  trennUous  motion  upMard  and  downward.     {Dunbar.) 

Cla])  both  liands  together  sharply  and  re[)eatedly,  or  jnake  the  sign 
of  To-day.     {Burton.) 

Forefinger  of  the  right  hand  exteiuled,  upright,  etc.  (J),  is  carried 
upward  in  front  of  the  right  side  of  the  body  and  above  the  head  so  that 
the  extended  finger  points  toward  the  center  of  the  heavens,  and  then 
carried  downward  in  front  of  the  right  breast,  forefinger  still  pointing 
upright.     {Dakota  I.) 

Place  the  exteiuled  index,  pointing  upward,  palm  to  the  left,  as  high 
as  and  before  the  top  of  the  head ;  push  the  hand  up  and  down  a  slight 
distance  several  times,  the  eyes  being  directed  upward  at  the  time. 
(Hidatsa  I ;  Kaiowa  I  j  Arikara  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 


193 

Hiiiiiliei*.    (Coinitan;  Coiintiiijir;  Qiinntity.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  huju. — (Jouiit  the  tlnjjcirs  until  the  iiiiinber  nine  is 
rciiclu'd,  and  beyond  it  connt  doubles  of  the  hands,  eaeh  denoting  ten. 

((V(MX) 

Olij«H'lioii. 

Italian  sit/n. — A  tin;ior  placed  on  the  lower  lip  is  understood  to  mean 
some  new  and  suddenly  started  objection  to  a  previous  i)lan.     {lUitler.) 

Obtain.    (C'ompare  PoNMeMMioii.) 

First  make  the  jicsture  for  i^iite,  then  move  tlic  riffht  hand  rijilit 
and  left  before  the  fa^ie,  the  thumb  turned  toward  the  face.     ( Wie<h) 

Make  the  sif;n  for  §eai*(*llillf;',  huntinj;  for,  and  then  take  hold 
of  the  object  with  the  rij;iit  hand  and  draw  it  in  toward  the  body,  near 
Avhicli  tiie  hand  is  brou{,dit  to  a  stop.  {Dakota  \.)  "  Have  liunted  for 
and  fjot  it.'' 

I>eaf-ninte  natural  sif)ii. — Kxtend  the  liand,  and  close  and  move  it  back. 

{liallaril.) 

Ocean. 

Make  the  sif>n  for  "Waleiv  then  place  the  tlat  hands,  ])alms  down- 
ward, thumbs  Joinin{>-,  before  the  breast,  and  move  them  horizontally 
outward  to  either  side.  (Ahmrnla  I;  tShoshoni  and  linnalc  I.)  "Jlroad 
water." 

Officer. 

Turn  tiie  hands  ui)ward  and  inward,  allowing  the  tips  of  the  tinkers 
to  touch  the  top  of  eaeh  shoulder.  (iSac,  Fox,  and  Kiekapon  1.)  "Epau- 
lets." 

OffwprinK.    Bee  €liild. 

Old.    (Compare  Oi<l  ITIan,  A^ed  and  Time,  ioiijui:.) 

With  tiie  riyht  hand  held  in  front  of  right  side  of  body,  as  though 
grasping  the  head  of  a  walking-stick,  describe  tin;  forward  arch  move- 
ment as  though  a  person  walking  was  using  it  for  support.  {Dakota  I.) 
"J)ecrepit  age  dependent  on  a  stall." 

Place  the  elosed  right  hand  in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  ahouldei', 
leaving  the  index  jjartly  extended  and  bent ;  then  move  it  slowly  for- 
ward and  toward  the  left  in  an  interrupted  manner.  ( Wyandot  I.) 
"  Slow  movement  and  bent  form  of  an  old  num." 

Person. 

(rrasj)  the  cheeks  with  both  hands,  using  the  tips  of  the  lingers  and 
thumbs.    Wrinkles.     {Apache  1.) 
25 


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191 

liftij'mutc  notiind  Hiipi. — A  trt'iiildiiin'  iiMttioii  of  the  licad.     (lialUtrd.) 

OppoMile. 

A  cliiiclitHl  liaiid  held  up  on  tlic  side  of  the.  Iicad,  at  tlic  distaiici^  of 
a  foot  or  more  from  it.     [Loiifi.) 

liiiii;;  tlic  ends  of  liic  oiitstn'tclicd  forclin^icrs  in  clost'  iiroxiiiiity, 
reniovinj;-  tlmiii  ajjaiii  iicrpciidicularly,  and  repeat inj;! lie  process  several 
times.     (0/(7^(7(11.)     •' Faee  to  faee  with." 

Left  liand  stationary  in  front  of  faee  on  level  of  tlie  eyes,  fore(in<ier 
alone  extended,  lioiizontal,  poinlin;;'  toward  the  ri^lit,  iVc.  (as  in  .^, 
exeej)t  Itaek  ontward);  then  tiie  riyht  hand  is  cariied  to  thi^  ri^-ht  eye, 
all  tinj^ers  exeejit  the  index  closed,  which  points  outward,  straight  to- 
ward the  end  of  the  stationaiy  exteinled  forefln;,'er  of  the  left  hand. 
{Ihtkota    I.)     "  Forefiii<,'ers  op|)osite  one  another." 

After. 

Draw  the  nose  sli<;htly  upward  with  the  two  tirst  lln;;'ers  of  the  rijiht 
hand.     (  Wicd.) 

Hid)  the  end  of  the  nose  itaind  and  round  with  the  ends  of  the  tin- 
};ers  of  the  rif^ht  hand.     {I>(tl;ot((  IV'.)     "White  nose." 

Olll,  Outward,  Without  (in  position.) 

The  semicircle  as  made  in  the  si}>n  for  in,  \%'itllin,  with  the  iiprij;ht 
riyht  index  i»la(!ed  without  the  circle  between  it  and  the  body.  (/>«- 
liota  I.)    "Tiie  variant  of  In,  Within." 

Over  (on  the  other  side). 

Collect  the  tinf>ers  of  both  hands  to  a  point,  place  the  left  horizontally 
before  the  breast,  pointing  to  the  rijiht,  and  the  rifjht  behind  the  left, 
ltointin<>'  to  the  rif>ht,  palms  down,  then  ])ass  the  right  forward,  over  and 
down  a  short  distance  beyond  the  left.  {Kaiowal;  Comanche  III; 
Apache  1 1 ;  Wichita  1 1.)  "  This  sijj|;n  is  abbreviated  by  merely  using  the 
extended  forefingers  instead  of  the  whole  hand." 

Pai'ii,  carrying;-  a. 

The  hands  are  placed  each  side  of  the  head,  as  if  they  held  the  strap 
of  tjie  hoppas,  which  passes  round  the  forehead,  iu  order  to  relieve  that 
part,  by  sui)porting  a  portion  of  the  weight  of  the  burden ;  with  this 
motion,  two  or  three  slight  inclinations  of  the  head  and  corresponding 
movements  of  the  hands  are  also  made.     ( Long.) 

Paci^in^'.    See  also  Horwe  (packing  a). 

Paint. 

Daub  both  the  cheeks  downward  with  the  index-finger.    {Burton.) 


195 

Left  liand  Ih^M  up,  back  juid  thumb  upward,  (Irst  aud  middle  fhi^jors 
of  v\}i\\t  luiud  dipped  t'orwuni  as  Miuu;;li  tuu*!liiii<^  somctliiu;;,  aud  tlicu 
rul»b(Ml  a;;aiu.st  back  of  iiaud  ncartlic  bast^  of  tlu'  tliinub,  as  iu  .si;;:u  tor 
<iil*<'ilM('.     {Vhi'jivntiv  I.) 

Makf  the  si;rii  for  C'oior,  aud  tlu'U  toiicii  tli(>  cJHM'k  with  tli(>  ex- 
tcutb'il  tbiv  aud  sccoud  (iuj^crs  of  the  rigiit  haud.  [Dahota  1.)  "  Mix- 
iuy:  till'  paiut  and  applyiiij;  to  tiu!  face." 

(1)  Halt  tho  riH:lit  fori'liuHor  iu  tilt' left  pabn  ;  (-)  tliru  iid»  it  ou  Ihf 
fhi'i'ks.     (AiuuhcAW.)     "  (1)  Mixiu^' or  ;;'i'iudiu};';  (-)  appi.viu;;'." 

Paper. 

Tlu'  h'ft  ai'iu  is  sciuicxtiMuh'd,  the  haud  open  iu  position  (W).  |>idm 
u]i;  tiio  ri^'lit  luiud  tlu'U  approaclics  tlu>  left  aud  iu  position  (K)  sceiii- 
iu<;l,v  writes  iu  tiH>  h'ft  palm;  l)otli  hands  tlu^u  assume  position  (W), 
ajtpioximate  each  otliei',  then  widely  diver^ie.  {Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 
"  Sonietiiiuj,^  e>  tended  upon  \>  liieh  t(»  write.'' 

Parent.    See,  also,  KclatioiiMliip. 

(ieuerically. 

riace  the  haud,  bowl-shajjed,  over  the  rifjfht  breast,  as  if  {jraspin;;-  a 
l>ap.     (Dodfie.) 


^Fake   the    si;;u    for    Paflier    twice 
Bunnk  I.) 


(AbmroJm  I;    iSlioslioiii  and 


Collect  the  tiuj-ers  aud  thumb  of  tlu'  rij>ht  haud  nearly  to  a  point  ami 
l)reteud  to  yiasp  the  left  l)reast  aud  draw  it  out  toward  tlu^  trout  about 
twelve  inches.  (Dakota  VI.)  "  When  this  sijju  is  made  (uu-e  it  means 
father  (which  may  be  uhhc  specifically  designated  by  elevating  the 
tiuger  as  for  Man,  i.  e,,  manor  male  i)arent);  when  it  is  made  tuucc  it 
uieaus  Parents,  aud  is  used  generically;  when  mother  is  meant,  the 
signs  for  I'arent  aud  Woman,  i.  c,  long-haired  parent;  wonuin  parent." 

The  right  arm  is  extended  (witii  the  hand  iu  ty|)e|)()sirion  J),  ami 
made  to  point  to  the  object.  Tin'  hands  (iu  type-i)ositions  A  A)  next 
api»roaeh  the  inannnary  region  and  thus  hold  for  a  uuuneut.  The 
right  liaiKl  is  then  opeued  (as  iu  type-positiou  S,  modified  by  being 
horizontal)  aud  made  to  describe  a  semicinile  downward,  inward,  and 
outward  from  the  lower  ]>art  of  the  trunk  of  the  body.  {Oto  and  Mis- 
souri 1.)     "  Him  or  her  from  whom  eouu's  the  offspring." 

Same  sign  as  for  Father,  also  made  for  mother  with  the  addition  of 
the  sign  for  li¥oilian ;  literally  Woman  Parent.  (Kaiowa  I;  Co- 
7nanclie  111;  Apache  II;   Wichita  11.) 

Partisan.    See  Chief,  l¥ar; 

Patience.    See  t^uict. 


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196 
Peace.    (Compare  Friendship.) 

Inteftwine  the  fingers  of  both  hands.     {Burton.) 

ParJominiic. — SimuUite  shaking  of  hands.     (Arapalm  I.) 

The  extended  fingers,  sei)arated  (R),  interlocked  in  front  of  the  breast, 
hands  horizontal,  backs  ontward.  (Dakota  I.)  " Let  us  be  friends.  Let 
ns  be  at  peat^e." 

The  left  arm  semiflexed,  hand  closed  and  elevated,  then  spirally  ro- 
tated across  the  forehead  for  An^'er;  this  is  followed  by  the  sign  for 
yio,  indicating  no  anj/cr.  Tlie  arms  and  hands  then  fall  to  sides,  right 
arm  is  now  raised,  and  dosed  hand  clasped  in  the  left  axilla — the  sign 
for  A  dear  friend.  The  arms  are  then  extended  and  drawn  inward  from 
before  the  body.  {(Ho  and  Missoxri  1.)  "  What  (jomes  of  nintnal  friend- 
ship and  good  feeling." 

PeniirioiiN  or  wfiii^y.    (('om|>are  .Hiser.) 

(Minch  l)()th  iiiiids  firmly,  tiie  right  hand  resting  on  the  left,  both 
drawn  to  the  chest,  held  lirndy  with  a  slight  sliake,  pressed  against 
breast,  back  of  right  hand  above,  with  compressed  lips  and  light  shake 
or  (piivcr  of  iiead.     {(tjihira  IV.) 

Pei'Mon,  A.    All  Individual. 

i'lace  the  half-closed  hands  over  the  front  of  the  forehead,  backs 
outward,  tiien  i)ass  them  outward,  downward  over  the  (iheeks  an<l  for- 
ward toward  the  chin.     Face:  visage.     {Wj/andot  I.) 

PiilM. 

The  right  arm  and  hand  is  brougiit  before  tiie  breast;  the  indcx-Hnger 
ami  thumb  in  ]»()sition  (H)  rotate  together;  the  hand  then  approaches 
the  m-iuth  as  in  the  sign  for  Eat;  tlie  act  of  swallowing  is  then  exe- 
cuted. The  right  inind  then  sweeps  hurriedly  from  the  anal  region  of 
liody.  {Olo  and  Mis.sonri  \,)  "  Something  rolled  between  tluunb  and 
finger,  then  swaUowed,  that  will  evacuate  the  bowels." 


Pipe. 

Make  tiie 
Jianak  I.) 


samt^  sign  as  to  ^iiiolie.     {Ahmroka   1 ;    ISlioshoni  and 


First  nmke  the  sign  of  filling  the  pijie,  in  front  of  the  stomach  with 
the  right  hand,  left  hand  held  representing  the  bowl  of  the  pipe, 
with  fingers  nearly  closed,  baek  outward,  edge  of  Angers  downward, 
insert  the  right  index  from  above  between  the  thuml)  and  forefinger  as 
though  inse:ting  the  tobacco,  then  knock  it  down  with  the  edge  of  the 
right  fist  (D),  then  extend  the  left  hand  to  nearly  full  capacity,  with 
baek  downward  as  though  grasping  the  pipe-stem  from  the  right  side, 


'!li 


197 

and  the  ri^l't  liaiid  }>iasi)s  tlie  btem  from  the  left  side,  witli  back  down- 
ward near  the  mouth  end.  (Dakota  I.)  '<  From  tlie  filling  and  manner 
of  iioldin^'  the  i»i])e." 

The  jtalm  of  the  ri^ht  hand  beinf>'  upward,  the  fingers  nearly  closed 
and  thnmh  extended  forward,  mov«^  the  hand  from  the  m<mth  straight 
forward  about  four  inches,  three  or  four  times.  Or  the  liand  may  be 
held  upiight,  palm  toward  the  left,  thuiub  i)ointing  toward  the  month, 
fingers  chtsed.  [Dakota  IV.)  ''  Holding  the  jupe-stem  and  removing  it 
from  the  mouth  as  in  smoiving." 

My. 

Make  the  sign  for  Pi|»e  and  then  tiirow  the  hand  forward  as  for  I 
have.     It  is  my  pipe.     [Dakota  W.) 

PiKfol. 

The  same  movement  as  lor  gun  'iiade  lower  down.     [Ditrfon.) 

Left  hand  jtlaced  in  jiosition  as  though  holding- a  pistol,  right  hand 
forefinger  resting  against  lower  of  left  'land,  and  motione<l  as  though 
cocking  pistol.     [Vhcjicinic  1.) 

The  1  iglit  iiand  in  its  position  near  the  right  eye,  as  given  in  the  sign 
for  (ifiiii,  denotes  a  pistol.     Tliis  is  from  tiie  shortness  of  tiie  barrel. 

[Dakota  1.) 

The  right  arm  is  semi-extended  before  thti  front  of  the  body;  tlie 
hand  assumes  the  jnistureof  tyi)e-i»osition  (R  1),  modi  lied  by  l)eing  more 
opened  and  index  crooked  as  hooking  the  trigger.  From  the  center  of 
the  body  the  semi-extended  arm  is  elevated  to  a  level  with  tli<^  face  and 
suddenly  the  hand  is  expanded  as  it  projects  forward.  Tiu'  right  hand 
then  droi)s  to  an  extunded  positimi  fiom  the  side  of  the  middle  of  the 
body  and  the  left  hand  is  drawn  edgewise  across  it,  as  in  sign  for  Rad. 
[Oto  and  Missouri  f.)     "Something  t(»  shoot  down  what  is  l)a<l." 

Place,  At  this,    (('ompan'  Here.) 

Place  the  left  hand,  slightly  (turved,  about  eighteen  inches  before  the 
heart,  i)ointiug  toward  the  right,  the  i)alm  toward  the  face;  collect  the 
fingers  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point,  ami  strike  the  i»alm  of  the  right 
against  that  of  tlu^  left,  the  axes  being  at  about  right  angles.  [Absaroka 
1;  ISlioshotii  anil  lianak  1.) 

IMa(!e,  To  arrive  at  a. 

The  hands  are  jdaced  as  in  the  sign  tor  Place,  at  tliiM,  but  the 

right  hand  is  brought  ti-om  a  point  at  arm's  length  backward  or  out 
from  the  right  shoulder,  and  strucik  against  tiie  palm  of  the  left. 
Absaroka  I ;  Slionhoni  and  lianak  1.)  The  left  hand,  rei)resenting  local- 
ity, is  held  in  any  direcition  to  indicate  the  speaker's  meaning,  when  the 
right  hand  follows  the  course  and  strikes  the  left  at  that  position. 


■''■(■ 


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1      1 

198 

Plain,  Prairie.    (Compare  Eartii.) 

Lay  the  hiuid.s  Hat  upon  their  backs  and  move  them  straight  from  one 
another  in  a  horizontal  line.  (  Wied.)  There  is  no  simillarity  with  WiciPs 
sign  in  execution,  nor  is  the  concei)tiou  of  the  latter  as  plain  as  that  of 
(Oto  and  Mmouri  I).    (Boteler.) 

Wave  both  the  palms  outward  and  low  down.     (Burton.) 

This  is  expressed  in  the  sign  for  Fiat,  liCVel.  [Dakota  I.)  "Tiie 
flat  or  level  prairie." 

After  i)lai  ing  the  hands  near  together,  palms  upward,  fingers  point- 
ing forward,  separate  them  about  two  feet;  carry  the  extended  right 
index,  l)a(;k  upward,  pointing  forward,  through  a  forward  curve  from 
side  to  side  in  front  of  the  body  three  or  four  times,  tiieu  make  the 
negative  sign.     {Daliotn  LV.)     "Nothing  there." 

Tlie  arms  are  seiniHexed  and  brought,  hands  togt^ther,  before  the 
body.  Then  stoo})  forward  and  touch  a  piece  of  wood,  or,  in  its  absence, 
execnte  the  sign  for  the  same.  The  hands  are  then  ai»])roxiinated  before 
the  chest  in  type  position  (T),  then  made  to  diverge  widely,  tinally  the 
right  hand  oi)enly  sweeps  negatively  to  the  side  [Oto  and  Missoun  1.) 
"Extended  space  where  there  is  no  wood." 

(1)  Wave  the  hands  horizontally  and  laterally,  palms  up  (X),  holding 
left  hand  still  (X) ;  (-)  thrust  the  right  hand  up,  lingers  extended  (P)  ; 
(.{)  rub  otf  left  palm  with  right  (X  reversed);  smooth  off  left  palm  with 
right.  (Apache  III.)  "(1)  Level  surface;  (li)  trees ;  (3)  destitute  of; 
(4)  very  smooth." 

Plant,  To. 

Collect  the  lingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  haiul  to  a  point,  directed 
toward  the  ground,  and  as  the  hand  is  moved  straight  forward  from  the 
body,  dip  it  toward  the  ground  at  regular  intervals.  [Kaiotca  I;  Co- 
itiinKlic  III ;  Apache  11;    Wichita  II.) 

PiantM,  Veifetation. 

Close  the  right  han<l;  extend  the  index,  pointing  vertically,  and  place 
the  tip  of  the  thumb  against  the  secoiul  joint,  then  pass  the  hand,  back 
down,  toward  one  side,  in  repeated  moves,  slightly  elevating  it  at  each 
rest.     (  Wyandot  1.) 

Pleaded.    See  fwlad. 
Pond.    See  Laiie. 

Poor.    Lean.    Indig^ent. 

Tlie  two  forefingers  extended,  with  the  right  as  if  it  was  a  knife,  imi- 
t;ite  the  motion  of  cutting  the  flesh  ott"  the  left  finger,  beginning  toward 


199 


the  tip,  and  ciittiiif;  with  a  quick  motion  directed  toward  the  base;  at 
the  same  time  <^urn  the  finger  a  little  round,  so  as  to  expose  the  different 
parts  to  the  action  of  cuttiu}; ;  intimating  that  the  Hesh  has  duninished 
from  starvation.     (Long.) 

Hold  the  Hattened  hands  toward  one  anotlier  hefon^  the  breast, 
separate  them,  moving  all  the  fingers  several  times  inward  and  outward 
toward  and  outward  from  the  breast.  (  Wied.)  The  left  forearm  is  ele- 
vated and  semi-extended  from  center  of  side  of  body.  Left  hand  is  in 
type  position  (J  1,  horizontal).  The  right  hand,  in  a  similar  iK)sition, 
seemingly  shaves  the  left  index-finger  toward  the  body.  There  is  no 
apparent  identity  in  execution  or  conception  of  this  sign  with  that  of 
the  Prince  of  Wied.     (IMeler.)     "  Reduced  to  small  dimensions." 

Pass  one  forefinger  along  the  other,  leaving  it  at  the  tip,  both  extend- 
ed, as  if  paring  or  whittling  it.     (Anqxiho  I.) 

With  the  hands  about  four  inches  in  front  of  the  chest,  ends  near 
together,  i)ointing  inward,  i>alms  backward  and  fingers  relaxed,  quickly 
move  them  a  few  inches  outward  several  times,  each  time  nearly  closing 
the  lingers.  (Jhikofa  IV.)  "  Because  the  ribs  show  and  the  fingers  tit 
in  between  them.'" 

IMace  both  hands  with  fingers  joined  but  hooked  upon  the  mi(hlle  of 
the  chest,  and  pull  them  apart  as  if  tearing  open  the  flesh.  [Kuiotca  I; 
Vomnnche  III;  Apache  II;    Wichifa  II.) 

With  the  right  hand  to  the  breast,  imitate  the  grasping  and  tearing 
open  thereof.     (Slioshoni  and  Banal-  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sifin. — Place  the  hands  upon  the  cheeks,  and  draw 
in  the  cheeks.     [BaUanL) 

In  property. 


Kxtend  the  left  forefiugi^r  in  front  of  the  left  side,  remaining  fingers 
and  thuml>  being  closed;  then  with  the  extended  index  make  several 
])asses  over  X\w  back  <»f  the  left  from  tip  to  i>ase.  (Ahnaroka  I;  Sho- 
shoni  and  lianak  I.) 

Left  hand  in  front  of  body,  forefinger  horizontal  (.11  palm  of  hand  to 
the  right),  right  hand  same  position  excei)ting  to  have  i)alm  inward, 
stroke  the  finger  of  lelt  with  forefinger  of  right  fronj  end  of  tiie  finger  to 
the  kniu-kle  several  times.       [Vlmienne  11.) 

Left  hand  as  in  (K)  is  hehl  about  twelve  inches  in  front  of  the  breast, 
and  the  right  hand  (]?■),  forefinger  extended,  horizontal,  i)alm  downward, 
the  side  of  the  right  finger  glided  over  the  back  of  the  extended  left 
forefinger.     {Dakota  I.) 


«|!plli!;l 


•mn 


hHLi 


m 
■m 


[■•.v. 


'**«*'*****'«^W***'W»8*W««B-,**i.ifctt,««,„,^_,„ 


lii!' 


m 


200 

The  extended  forefinger  of  the  left  hand  is  stioked  rather  rapidly 
two  to  many  times  from  point  to  base  with  the  extended  index  of  the 
right  hand,  tiie  motion  resembling  that  of  whittling  a  stiek.  Sometimes 
the  left  hand  is  sliglitly  rotated  so  as  to  present  ditterent  i)arts  of  the 
finger  to  the  stroking  process.     {][aH(l(tH((n(l  Ilidutm  1.) 

Plaee  the  point  of  the  extended  index  npon  tin^  back  of  the  basal 
joint  of  the  middle  finger  of  the  left  hand.     (  Wydndot  I.) 

Kub  the  extended  index  back  and  f'cntli  over  the  back  of  the  extended 
forefinger  of  the  left  hand  from  ti|»  to  base.  (Kaioira  1 ;  Comaiicliv  III  ; 
A2)ache  II;    Wivhito  II.) 

Another :  Pass  the  extended  index  of  the  right  hand  alternately  along 
the  ni)i)er  and  lower  sides  of  tlie  extended  forefinger  as  in  whittling 
toward  file  hand.     {Kaioira  I;   Comtoichc  III;  A pticlie  II;    Wichita  II.) 

Same  sign  as  for  A|»ilt'lie.     See  TinilAL  Sui.NS.     (Comanche  II.) 

Itnb  the  back  of  the  left  hand  back  and  forth  with  the  palmar  sur- 
face of  the  extended  index.     [Ute  I;  Apache  I.) 

J>c<(/-)nute  iialand  Nif/ii. — Pass  the  thnmb  over  the  forefinger  seveial 
times  (indicating  "money"),  next  move  the  open  hand  from  side  to  side 
once,  and,  at  the  same  time,  shak«'f  lie  head  (indicating  "no"),  and  then, 
nodding  the  head,  point  with  the  forefinger  to  some  person  who  is  i»oor. 
{Jlasenstab.) 

Pony.    See  Hoi'mc. 

PoMition,  Cliaii^ew  of.    See  Ahead. 

PoMMeMwion,  iiiiiKt;  my  properly;  To  belong'  to, 

Th<^  hand  shnt  and  held  nj*  to  the  view.     (Dunbar.) 

With  the  fist,  pass  nj)ward  in  front  of  the  breast,  then  push  it  for- 
ward with  a  slight  Jerk.  (  Wicd.)  There  is  no  api)reciable  similarity  in 
the  execution  of  the  Olo  and  Mismnri  I  sign  and  that  of  Wicd.  The 
conception  of  the  latter  is  diflicnlt  to  see.  (lioteler.)  It  ap|»ears  to  l»e 
the  grasping  and  disi)Iay  of  proiierty. 

Touch  the  breast  with  the  index-finger.     (J)odgc.) 

Right  hand  closed  as  though  holding  something  elevated  to  level  of 
and  in  front  of  the  ciiin,  drawn  (piickly  with  a  downward  curved  motion 
toward  the  neck.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Both  hands  (flinched  about  twelve  ineiies  before  the  body,  palms  in- 
ward, the  rigiit  about  eight  inches  above  the  left;  both  are  then  forcibly 
pushed  toward  the  ground.     {Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 


of 
Ion 


liu- 

|»iy 


201 

First  make  the  sign  for  I,  personal  pronoun,  tlien  i)oint  to  or  make 
the  sign  for  the  partieuhir  article  to  which  reference  is  made,  and  com- 
plete the  sign  by  (crossing  the  arms  at  the  wrists,  abont  a  foot  in  front 
of  the  breast,  witli  hands  natnral,  relaxed  (Y),  palms  inward,  npright, 
draw  the  hands  to  the  body  so  tiiat  they  will  (!Over  the  riglit  and  left 
breasts  (the  right  hand  the  left  breast  and  the  left  hand  the  right 
breast).     {Dakota  I.)     "  Possession — my  property." 

Another:  First  make  the  sign  for  I,  first  personal  pronoun,  and  then 
the  sign  for  the  property, if  it  has  one;  if  not,  then  tlie  particular  articles 
constituting  the  property  must  be  ])()inted  to.  {Dakota  I.)  "These 
things  are  mine." 

Strike  the  palms  of  tlu^  hands  together,  i)aluis  inward,  and  tiien  make 
the  sign  for  $>ioiiie,  I  have  moiiic.     {Dakota  l\.) 

Thnnv  the  clinched  right  hand  edgewise  toward  the  eartii,  before  and 
as  far  as  the  lower  part  of  the  body.     (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

The  arms  are  crossed  and  the  hands  loosely  collected  as  in  tyjjeposi- 
tion  (B),  are  folded  on  the  chest.  {Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Tiiat  i)er- 
tains  to  me." 

Throw  the  fist,  edge  downward  toward  tlu>  ground.  Wiien  i)osses- 
sion  is  elsewhere,  the  arm  is  extended  in  that  direction,  and  the  above 
sign  made.     {Kaiowa  I',  Apache  II;   Wichita  II;  Comanche  III.) 

Both  lists,  with  palms  forward,  are  held  before  tiie  body,  right  above 
left,  and  forcibly  pushed  downward  a  short  distance.  (Shonhoni  ami 
Bauak  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  siffiis. — Point  to  the  object  owned,  ami  then  point 
to  the  breast.     (Ballard.) 

Point  to  something  with  the  forefinger  of  one  hand,  and,  nod  the 
head,  then  rest  the  otiier  ojjen  hand  on  ihe  breast.     (Ilasenstah.) 

Slap  the  breast  with  the  hand,  and  at  the  same  tiuie  oi>en  the  mouth 
as  if  to  say  "  iMy."    (Zeigler.) 

Our  instructe<l  deaf-mutes  press  an  imaginary  object  to  the  breast 
with  the  right  hand. 

It  belongs  to  me. 


Deaf-mute  natural  siffns. — Point  to  the  object  possessed,  and  then  to 
the  bosom,  meaning  the  speaker.     (Ballard.) 

First  [)oint  to  the  object  with  the  forefinger,  next  rest  the  forefinger 
on  the  breast-bone,  and  then  nod  the  head.     (Hasenstab.) 
26 


M 


li 


r:;! 


'  I  i   I 

lii  : 

Ir 


>  . 


?! 


I;'- 


202 

Point  with  the  right  forefinger  as  if  to  point  to  sonietfuug,  and  tlien 
from  the  thing  to  myself.    [Zeigler.] 

I  Iiave. 


First  make  the  sign  for  I,  personal  prononn,  and  tlien  the  back  of 
tlie  right  liand  wliicli  points  obliquely  upward  and  toward  the  left,  with 
lingers  extended  and  Joined,  is  carried  out  from  the  breast  about 
eighteen  inches,  and  ])laced  in  the  palm  of  the  left,  held  pointing 
obliquely  upward  and  toward  the  right,  ]»alin  ujjward,  lingers  extended, 
joined,  and  then  both  hands  drawn  in  to  the  body.  {DaJiota  I.)  "Pos- 
session— I  have  it  right  here  in  my  hands." 

Place  the  lists,  backs  outward,  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  navel,  the 
right  just  above  the  left,  then  move  them  straight  forward  a  couple  of 
inches.  Some  place  the  right  a  little  in  advance  of  the  left.  {Dakota 
IV.)     "  Holdii  -  last  to  everything." 

Make  the  signs  for  I,  i?Ie,  and  Have.     {Hidatsa  I;  Arikara  T.) 

Ikaf-mute  nafural  sign. — Move  to  and  fro  the  finger  several  times  to 
the  breast.     (Larson.) 

Another  has. 

Pass  the  right  hand  (piickly  before  the  face,  as  if  to  say  "  Go  away,'' 
then  n)ake  the  gesture  for  Ifliiie.  ( Wied.)  The  arms  are  raised  and 
(ilosed  over  the  breast  as  in  the  sign  for  mine.  They  are  then  sudde  ily 
thrown  open  from  the  breast  toward  another  person,  with  the  palms  out- 
ward. There  is  no  similarity  in  either  execution  or  conception  of  this 
sign  with  that  of  Wied  ;  they  are  evidently  of  different  origin.  (Boteler.) 
"  Not  mine." 

First  point  to  the  person  who  has  the  article,  or  who  has  done  it,  with 
the  right  index  (HI),  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Have  it.  {Dakota  1.) 
"  Reverse  of  I  have  it." 

Rotate  the  right  hand,  back  upward,  from  side  to  side,  six  or  eight 
inches,  descril)ing  an  arc,  liugers  separated  a  little,  slightly  bent,  and 
pointing  forwanl ;  then  make  the  sign  for  Have.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Another :  Point  at  the  person  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Have.  It 
belongs  to  him.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Po!iiJ>ieMNion,  mine,  in  the  direction  of  the  per- 
son, or  if  the  person  is  named  and  not  present,  the  gesture  is  made  to 
one  side.    {Dakota  VI.) 

Same  sign  as  for  His.  {Kaioica  I ;  Comanchelll)  A'pachell]  Wichita 
II.) 


Kct'erciice  having  been  made  ti>  the  paiticuhir  artiele  the  rest  is  ex- 
pressed by  tlie  si}>ii  for  i\one,  I  have  none.  {Dakota  I.)  "Not 
mine." 


203 


■■■''  i  4 


III 


To  have. 


Hoth  liaiids  cliii«lied,  hehl  edgewise,  the  right  about  six  inehes  above 
the  left,  and  struck  downward  toward  the  ground  as  far  as  tlie  waist, 
retaining  the  same  distan(!e  between  the  hands  during  tlie  whole  of  the 
gesture.     {Hidatm  I  ;  Ankara  1.) 

His. 


Indicate  tiie  person,  and  throw  the  clinched  hand  edgewise  toward 
the  ground  a  shoit  distance  (stop|)ing  suddenly  as  if  striking  a  resisting 
body),  the  hand  directed  toward  the  person  or  his  possessions.  [Kaio- 
tea  1 ;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II ;    Wichita  II.) 

It  does  not  belong  to  me. 


First  make  the  gesture  for  Inline,  then  wave  the  right  hand  quickly 
by  and  in  front  of  the  face  toward  the  right.     (  W'ied.) 


11: 


'■■M^ 


Deaf-mute  natural  niyns. — The  same  sign  as  It  lielong'!>«  to  nie, 

supplemented  by  a  shake  of  the  head.     {Ballard.) 

Use  the  sign  for  It  belonjs;:^  to  nie^  at  the  same  time  shake  the 
head  as  if  to  say  "No."     {Zeigler.) 

Potato. 

Collect  the  lingers  and  thumb  of  tlie  left  hand  to  a  jtoint,  hold  them 
upward  before  the  body  (size),  then  with  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the 
right  hand  similarly  collected,  pointing  downward,  malu?  several  motions 
forward  and  toward  the  earth  (planting),  then  with  the  fingers  and 
thumb  of  the  right  hand  pointing  u])ward,  curved  and  separated,  make 
a  motion  upward  at  arm's  length  (growth).  yKaiowa  1;  Comanche  III: 
Apache  IT  ;   \yichita  II.) 

Ponr,  To. 

With  the  left  hand  held  in  front  of  the  stomach  to  represent  kettle, 
bucket,  d-c;  then  the  right  hand  held  (A)  to  tiie  right,  and  below  the 
left  hand,  makes  tiu*  sign  f(U'  CH|»,and  is  so  carried  over  the  stationary 
left,  and  turned  up  as  though  pouring  its  contents  into  the  left.  {Da- 
kota I.)     "  Dipping  of  water  with  a  cup  to  fill  a  bucket." 

Prairie.    See  Plain. 

Praii^e. 

Italian  sign. — The  foretiuger  raised,  inasmuch  as  to  say  a  thiug  is  to 
be  extolled  to  the  skies.     {Butler.) 


\-i 


III 


I 


•si    ,r 


''' 

1 

i 

1 

■; 

1 

1 

J. 

tI 

RicV'' 

1, 

I;  i' 


ii  i! 


m> 


I'/ ;  .  ' 


204 

Pray.    I  \m\y  yon. 

The  palm  of  the  liiuid  ia  liold  toward  the  person  or  persons  addressed, 
riometinies  both  liands  are  so  held.  The  Oniaha  and  Tonka  Indians  say 
"  wi-bdhaha","  I  ]>ray  to  yon,  T  petition  yon;  or  "wi-bdhistn-be,"  / 
smooth  i/nu  down  with  the  hand.  In  praying  to  the  snn  the  hand  is  ele- 
vated and  held  with  the  i)aliii  np.  Say  (Lonjf's  Exped.,  i,  .'{84)  gives  the 
meaning,  4;j :  "  Be  qniet,  or  be  not  alarmed,  or  have  patience."  (Oma- 
ha I ;  I'onlm  I.)     "  Soothing." 

Witli  the  face  inclined  npward,  eyes  looking  toward  the  heavens,  both 
hands  are  brought  togetlier  from  their  natnral  i)ositions  at  the  sides  of 
tlie  body,  describing  a  considerable  sweep  in  front  of  the  face  or  above 
or  below  it,  with  palmar  surfaces  looking  towanl  ea(!h  other,  upright, 
fingers  extended,  thumbs  inward  (T);  then  the  body  and  hands  are 
lowered  toward  the  ground  (nearly  our  kneeling),  with  eyes  looking  uj)- 
ward.     [Dalotn  I.)     "This  is  much  tlie  same  as  with  civilized  i)eople." 

Tiu».  (!onntenanc«^  i»lacid  and  turned  upward,  the  arms  elevated,  and 
with  ()i)eiied  palms  the  hands  vibrate  and  diverge  to  and  from  the 
body  in  imitation  of  an  angel  flying  and  in  execution  of  the  sign  for 
Deity.  Tiu'  hand  now  assumes  jiosition  (K),  and  the  semi-extended 
index-finger  points  in  successive  jerks  from  the  mouth  upward,  a  rude 
imitation  of  the  sign  for  Talh.  [Oto  and  Misnouri  \.)  "Speaking  to 
the  Winged-one  above." 

Pea/mute  natural  nign. — Clasp  tiie  Ininds  across  eacih  other,  shut  the 
eyes,  and  move  the  lips  rai)idly.     (liallard.) 

Prayer. 

If  the  Hat  hand  is  pressed  to  the  lips,  and  then(!e  moved  upward  to 
the  lieavens,  it  indicates  a  i)riiyer  or  address  to  Deity.     (Ojihwa  I.) 

Elevate  one  hand  high  toward  the  sky,  spread  hands  opposite  face, 
l)alms  u])  and  backward  (X).  [ApachelW.)  "  Reference  to  God — desire 
to  receive. 

Preftiiaiic*y. 

Pantomimically  expressed  by  passing  both  hands,  slightly  arched, 
palms  toward  tlie  body,  from  tlie  pubis  in  a  curve  upward  and  in  toward 
the  pit  of  tlie  stomach.  ( Utc  I.)  "  Corresponds  to  the  rotundity  of  the 
abdomen." 

Pretty.    See  also  fiiood  and  HandNOiiie. 

The  fingers  and  thumb,  so  opi)osed  as  to  form  a  curve,  are  passed  over 
the  face,  nearly  touching  it,  from  the  forehead  to  the  chin  ;  then  add.  the 
sign  for  tirOOd.     (Long.) 

Another  :  Curve  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  and  i)lace  the  tip  on 
the  ridge  of  the  uose  between  the  eyes,  so  as  to  represent  a  high  Boniau 


'Jl 


205 

iiOKc;  tliiMi  bi'iii^  down  tlu;  liiind  in  a  curviliuciir  inanntn-,  until  tlu>  wrist 
toiirlics  tin*  lireast ;  after  which  add  the  sign  for  liiood.     (Lony.) 

I'aHx  tlie  exten(h'd  liand  (rif^Iit  n.suall.v),  finf^ers  Joined,  ]»alrn  toward 
tiie  lMM!y,  in  a  (raressin};'  or  stroliin;;-  manner,  vertically  downward  in 
front  of,  aiui  tlienet^  liori/ontally  from,  the  body,  in  immediate  JM\ta|>o- 
sition  to  the  fa<!e  or  that  part  of  the  person  desired  to  be  indicated. 
{AnijHiho  I.) 

Same  as  HaildMOIIie.     (Dakota  I.) 

The  same  sign  as  for  IwOOd.     (I>nl;(>ta  IV'.) 

hmfmute.  nntural  niyn. — Arch  the  eyebrows  and  smack  the  lips.  [Hal- 
lurd.) 

Priewl. 

Ilalitin  xiffn. — The  palms  laid  together  before  the  breast  avd  the  eyes 
tixed  eitlier  on  liHaven  oi  earth,     [liutler.) 

Priwoner.    (('omitare  In,  Within.) 

The  forefinger  and  thiunb  of  the  left  hand  are  held  in  the  form  of  a 
semicircle,  opening  toward  and  near  the  breast,  and  the  forehnger  of 
the  right  rejiresenting  the  prisoner,  is  placed  upright  within  the  curve, 
and  passed  from  one  side  to  another,  in  order  to  show  that  it  will  not  be 
permitted  to  pass  out.     (fjoiiff.) 

Sign  for  Take  priMonrr  made,  and  the  hands  clinched  and  crossed 
back  to  ba<'k  as  though  bound  tightly,  {('hei/enne  I.)  "Taken  and 
bouiid." 

Cross  the  wrists  a  foot  in  front  of  the  lu'ck,  hands  closed,  biwiks  for- 
ward.    (IhikoiaW.)     "Tied." 

Same  as  the  sign  for  C!a|>llll*C,  with  the  addition  of  the  sign  for 
VoH  or  I  when  a  pr<'sent  individual  is  (Muicerned.  (O/o  and  MitiHouri  I.) 
"  To  seize  when  in  battle." 

Itoth  hands  (rlinched,  the  right  laid  transversely  across  the  h'ft  at  the 
wrists.     (Wiiaiitht  \.)    "  Tied  arms." 

Make  the  sign  for  Battle  ;  then  with  the  right  gras|>  an  imaginary 
person  from  the  right  side,  extend  both  forelingers  toward  the  ground, 
the  remaining  fingers  and  thumbs  closed;  place  them  si<le  by  side  and 
move  tiK'ni  toward  the  left.  (Apaehe  I.)  "  One  grasped  in  liattle  and 
led  away  by  the  cajjtor." 

Deaf-mute  natural  nign. — Place  the  fingers  of  one  hand  upon  tlutse  of 
the  other,  indi(;ating  the  cross-bars  of  a  jail,  and  then  point  with  the 
forefinger  to  sonu',  person  who  is  put  in  Jail.     [UasenHtab.) 


*■:    t| 


"i. 


If?'i 


'rji 


m 


41  ■■  '■  . 


•'.•jjif ','<;'«■'?; 


ly?i 


;f! 


I   i  I  i 


206 

Italian  huihh. — Tlio  viiltjarisin  "to  look  hctwccii  hiirs"  for  to  bo  in 
jn-isoii  (H)ri'(^s|)oiHlH  to  tlui  f^estiirii  whicli  is  iiiiuh'  by  (Mossiii};  tho  (lii};orH 
of  both  liiinds  before  tlu^  eves  so  us  to  make  a  elieckered  j^rate,  or  by 
ooveriiin'  tlie  (\ves  witli  tlie  Hiihcu'h  of  one  hand  drawn  apart,     (liutlor.) 

Sjjecilieally  f(»r  caitthr. 


Tlu!  arms  lian^in^'  (h)\vn  and  wrists  toj^etlier  or  crossed,     {liutlcr.) 
To  take. 


l>otli  hands,  tinners  slij^htiy  iiooked,  tiinml>  lyiriy  a^iainst  foretinf^er, 
snddenly  tlinist  forward  to  tlie  left  and  Jerked  baek  <|ui('kly  toward  the 
body.     {Clifuniiic  I.) 

The  left  hand  held  abont  18  iiuthes  in  front  of  the  left  breast,  oblitpiely 
n])ward,  ed};e  of  tinficrs  outward  (R  L'),  is  <|iii('kly  seized  aronnd  the 
wrist  by  the  riyht  hand,  |»assed  from  in  front  of  the  riyht  breast,  back 
npward,  and  drawn  rapidly  in  toward  and  near  the  left  breast.  {Dakota 
I.)     "  Me  is  eonu' ;   I  have  taken  him;  leadiii}''  him  captive." 

l»oth  arms  are  rtt^xed  before  breast,  and  hands  made  to  execnte  the 
sifiii  for  ti^ht;  the  left  arm  then,  serniextended,  is  h^ft  a  second;  then 
siezcd  at  wrist  by  the  rij^ht  hand  in  type  i»osition  (W);  palms  of  both 
face  the  j^ronnd.     {Ota  I.)     "One  taken  in  (ijilit  or  miseondnct." 

Property.    See  PoMM(>MNioii. 

Prudent  or  C'iiiitioiiM.    (Compare  Danger.) 

Hold  ri};ht  hand  in  front  of  ri;;ht  breast  or  partly  to  the  right  side 
and  lower  down,  i»alm  down,  f>ently  nnive  it  np  and  down  two  or  three 
tinu's,  then  hold  it  still  a  few  monuMits,  and  }i:ently  depress  the  hand, 
with  slifiht  bow  of  the  head  to  riyht     {OJihica  r  .) 


See  Danger 

kota  1.) 


I'n((h'iit,  caittioiis,  are  not  the  opposite  of /«»/.     {I)a- 


IMace  th(^  tips  (»f  the  ext«'nded  linfjers  af^ainst  the  temples,  then  point 
them  npward,  the  eyes  following  tho  same  direction.  "  Snperior  Jndg- 
ment."     (  WyaiKlot  I.) 

Pure  ha  Me.    See  Trade. 

Put  it  liaek.    See  Let  alone. 

Quantity,  larft-e;  many;  niueii;  number. 

The  tlat  of  the  rif^ht  hand  pattinjjf  tiu>.  ba(!k  of  the  left  hand,  which  is 
repeated  in  i>roportion  to  the  {greater  or  lesser  quantity.  {Dunbar.) 
Simj)le  rei)etition. 

The  hands  and  arms  are  passed  in  a  curvilinear  direction  outward  and 
downward,  as  if  showing  the  form  of  a  large  globe;  then  the  hands 


207 


iiiM'  closed  and  ch^vatt'd,  as  if  soiin'tliiiifj:  was  grasped  in  each  hand 
and  Iield  np  altont  as  liifjii  as  tlie  (ace.     (/>««//.) 

Uiiiiff  tlic  liands  n|>  in  front  of  tlu'  body  with  tiic  linjicrs  carefully 
kept  distinct.  (Clici/ninc  sipi,  Report  of  Lieut../.  W.  Aherf,  he  cit., 
p.  4;m.) 

Hotli  ininds  closed,  hroufj'it  np  in  a  curved  motion  toward  each  otiier 
to  the  level  (»f  the  neck  or  (!hiii.     [Vhciicnne  I.) 

('hitch  at  the  air  several  tinu^s  with  both  hands.  The  motion  };r(>atly 
resembles  those  of  dansenses  idaying  the  (jastauets.     {Ojilnni  I.) 

Mauv. 


A  simultaneous  movement  (»f  both  hands,  as  if  f;atherin(j  or  heajtiu;; 
np.     (Arupolio  I.)     Literally  "a  heap." 

Hoth  hands,  with  spread  and  sli;;litly  curved  hnjjers,  are  held  jtendent 
about  two  feet  a]»art  before  tht^  thij;hs;  then  draw  them  toward  one 
another,  horizontally,  drawin}>'  them  upward  as  they  come  tofjether. 
{AhmirolxK  I;  Shonlioiii  and  Jiitnnk  i;  Kttioira  I;  Comanche  III;  Apuclw 
II  ;    Wichita  II.)     ".\u  accunudatoin  of  objects." 

Hands  about  IS  in«'hcs  from  the  ji'rouud  in  front  and  about  the  same 
distance  apart,  hehl  s(!oop-fashion,  |»alms  lookiu}"'  toward  each  other, 
separated  tinkers,  etc. ;  then,  with  a  diviu};  motion,  as  if  scoopiiifr  uj)  corn 
fnun  the  fjround,  brin}^'  the  hands  nearly  t()}>ethcr,  with  liufjjers  nearly 
closed,  as  th<)uj>h  holdin}^'  the  corn,  and  (^arry  upwaid  to  the  heifjht  (»f 
the  breast,  where  the  liands  are  turned  over,  liuf^ers  |>(>intiu;>' downward, 
separated,  as  though  the  contents  were  allowed  to  drop  to  the  j-round. 
( Dakota  I.) 

Open  the  fiufjers  of  Ixtth  hands,  an<l  hold  the  two  hands  before  the 
breast,  with  the  liufjers  upwanl  and  a  little  apart,  and  the  i)alms  turned 
toward  each  other,  as  if  j^raspinj;'  a  inimber  of  thiufjs.     {Iroquois  I.) 

Place  the  hands  on  either  side  of  and  as  hij;h  as  the  head,  then  open 
and  close  the  liii}>ers  rapidly  four  or  five  times.  {  Wifaiulot  L)  "  Count- 
iiiK'  '  tens'  an  iudelinite  luimber  of  times.  " 

Deaf-mute  natural  Higm. — Put  the  tiufiers  of  the  two  hands  tofjether, 
tij)  to  tip,  and  rub  them  with  a  rapid  motion.  (liallard.) 

Make  a  rapid  movenu'iut  of  the  tinj^ers  and  thumbs  of  both  hands 
ujtward  and  downward,  and  at  the  same  time  cause  both  lijis  to  touch 
ea(!h  other  in  rapid  succession,  and  both  eyes  to  be  half  opene(L  {Ilofi- 
enntab.) 

Move  the  lingers  of  both  hands  forward  and  backward.     {Zeif/ler.) 


S«! 


Mi 


■mU- 


■m 


f  m 


■   ,3! 


i] 


J! 


m 


i  I 


H 


ill 


.i  . 


208 


TToi'soH. 


Kaiso  the  i'i};lit  urrii  iibovci  tlic  head,  |)alrii  torwiinl,  and  tlinist  tor- 
wanl  torc/ibly  on  a  liiiu  witli  tlic  Nlioiildcr.     (Ointilui  I.) 


IVi'Hons. 


Tak(^  lip  a  l)iiiich  ot'^'rass  or  a  clod  ot'caitli  ;  place  it  in  tlu^  hand  of 
the  pcrMon  addressed,  who  looks  down  upon  it.  ((hnaltu  I.)  "  Uepie- 
sents  as  many  or  more  than  the  particles  contained  in  the  mass." 

Hands  aiwl  iin^'crs  interlaced.     [Mmaownn.) 
Miidi. 


Move  l»otli  hands  toward  one  anotln-r  and  slijihtly  ui)ward.  (  Wifd.) 
1  have  seen  this  sifiii,  but  1  think  it  is  used  only  for  articles  that  may  b»' 
piled  on  the  ground  or  formed  into  a  heaj).  The  si<rn  most  in  use  for  the 
gen«'ral  idea  of  much  or  mauif  I  have  j^iveii  you  before.     {Matthews.) 

]ioth  hands  flat  and  extended,  phuicd  before  the  breast,  tluger-tips 
touchiiifi',  jialins  down  ;  then  sc])arate  them  by  passiiif;'  outward  and 
d(>wnward  as  if  smoothiiif;-  the  outer  surface  (»f  a  };lobe.  (Ahnnroka  1  ) 
Nlioslioni  and  linnuk  I  ;  Kaioira  I ;  Comanche  ill  ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.; 
"A  heap." 

illlll'll  is  included  in  i?lail>'  or  Bij;;',  as  the  case  may  require.  (/>n- 
h)ta  1.) 

The  haiuls,  with  tinj>ers  widely  separated,  slightly  bent,  pointing  for- 
ward, and  backs  outward,  are  Id  be  rapidly  ai)i)roximated  through  down- 
ward curves,  from  positions  twelve  to  thirty-six  inches  apart,  at  the 
height  of  the  navel,  and  quickly  chtsed.  Or  the  hands  may  be  moved 
until  the  right  is  above  the  left.  {Dakota  IV.)  "So  much  that  it  has 
to  be  gathered  with  both  hands." 

Both  hands  and  arms  are  partly  extended  ;  each  hand  is  then  made  to 
describe,  simultaneously  with  the  other,  from  the  head  downward,  the 
arc  of  a  circle  curving  outwards.  This  is  used  for  Tiai*g;e  in  some 
senses.     {Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Hands  o])en,  palms  turned  in,  held  about  three  feet  ai)art,  and  about 
two  feet  from  the  ground.  Raise  them  about  a  foot,  then  bring  in  an 
upward  curve  toward  each  other.  As  they  pass  each  other,  palms  down; 
the  right  hand  is  about  three  inches  above  the  left.     {Omaha  I.) 

Place  both  hands  tiat  and  extended,  tliunibs  touching,  palms  down- 
ward, in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  face ;  then  move  them  outward  and 


'i 


I 


209 

downward  a  sliort  diHtiiiio^  towwiinl  tlicir  rcspectivo  Hides,  thus  dcscrib- 
iiiH  tlui  iip|»»'r  halfof  a  circlo.     ( Wj/ntvhit  I.)     "A  Iicap." 

Sw(U'p  out  botli  Iiaiiils  as  if  iiuilosiiin;  a  lar;:o  ()l)je(',t;  wavi*  the  hands 
forward  and  soiiunvhat  upward.    {Apavhe  III.)    "SuyjiVstiiiKiiuniensity." 


And  h('a\'.v. 


Similar  to  I?lnil,  except  when  hands  are  raised  close  the  tists,  Itaclis 
of  liaiids  down,  as  it' lit'tinv:  sonielliin;;  lieavy;  then  move  a  sliort  dis- 
tance up  and  down  .several  times.     (Omnlni  1.) 

Plenty. 


Raise  the  arms  a'oove  the  head,  llnjiers  interlaced  to  rei>re.sent  the 
lodfje  poles,  .separate  and  brin^  to;;etiier  aj;ain.  (Omaha  1.)  "  Vou  see 
Low  I  sit  in  a  lar^^)  lod^e  and  how  comfortable  I  am." 


Another:  Same  as  the  precedinj^',  then  brinjj  open  hands  toffether  in 
front,  palms  dowri,  extentled ;  .separate  tln^  hands  to  tluur  respecttive 
pules.  {Omaha  (.)  "  J  am  sitting  in  a  {^ood  hxlge,  or  have  a  {^food  tent- 
fire  here." 

Another:  Ili};ht  arm  curved  horizontally,  with  the  tips  of  the  tinkers 
toward  the  breast ;  then  slij^htly  extend  the  arm  and  descril)e  a  (Mrcle 
by  ret  urn  in  J:;  the  hand  and  i)assin{;'  it  inward  past  tiie  breast  toward  the 
Tight  shoulder.  {Omaha  I.)  "A  man  has  i)lenty  in  his  tent ;  or  I  have 
plenty  around  here." 

Deaf  mutv  natural  xiffn. — Stretch  the  left  arm  at  full  length,  and  move 
the  foretinger  of  the  right  hand  along  it  to  the  shouhler.     {Ballard.) 

QiiCMlion;  inquiry;  iiilcrroKalioii.    (Com])arc  Fool ;  In- 
decision. 

The  palm  of  tiie  haiul  upward  and  carried  circularly  outward,  and 
depressed.     {Diiiihar.) 

The  hand  held  up  with  tlic  thumb  near  the  face,  and  the  i)alm  directed 
toward  the  ]>erson  of  whom  tiie  intpiiry  is  made;  tiien  rotated  U|)(>n 
the  wrist  two  or  three  times  edgewise,  to  denote  uncertainty.  {Loutj.) 
The  motion  might  be  mistaken  for  the  derisive,  vulgar  gesture  (tailed 
"  taking  a  sight,"  "  donner  un  pied  de  nez,"  descending  to  our  small  boys 
from  anticpiity.  The  separate  motion  of  the  fingers  in  tlie  vulgar  gest- 
ure as  used  in  our  eastern  cities  is,  however,  more  nearly  correlated  with 
some  of  the  Indian  signs  for  Fool.  It  may  be  noted  tliat  the  Latin 
"sagax,"  from  which  is  derived  "sagacity,"  was  chietly  used  to  denote 
the  keen  scent  of  dogs,  so  there  is  a  relation  establislic<l  between  the 
liasal  organ  and  wi.sdoin  or  its  ab.sence,  and  that  "  suspendere  naso" 
was  a  classic  phra.se  for  hoaxing.  The  Italian  ex]>ressions  "  restare  con 
27 


210 


m 


lUi-v, 


\HT 


■)    ' 


uu  palino  (H  naso,"  "con  tsiuto  di  iiiiso,"  etc.,  ineii'ioiu'd  by  the  ''anon 
De  .louio,  refer  to  the  saiiie  vulgar  gesture  in  whicli  the  face  is  sup- 
posed to  be  thrust  forward  sillily. 

Extend  the  open  liantl  perpendicularly  with  the  palm  outward,  and 
move  it  fitiui  si(U^  to  si(Ui  several  times.  ( Wicd.)  Thi,>  sign  is  still  used. 
Fcu' "outward,"  however,  I  would  substitute  "  forward."  The  I:'ind  is 
usually,  but  not  always,  held  before  the  fa(!0.     (Mattheips,) 

Itiglit  hand,  lingers  jiointing  upward,  i»alin  outward,  elevated  to  the 
level  of  the  shoulder,  extended  toward  the  i)ers(Mi  addressed,  aud  slightly 
shaken  I'lom  side  to  side,     (dliri/t'iuif  1.) 

hen/mute  unturnl  sifpi. — A  (piick  motion  of  the  lips  with  an  iiuinir- 
ing  h)ok.     (lidlhinl.) 

Ausfralidn  .s/V/h.—  <  bie  is  a  sort  of  note  of  interrogation.  For  instaiTee, 
if  I  were  tiMueet  a  native  and  make  the  sign:  hand  flat,  lingers  and 
thumb  extended,  the  two  midfMe  tingers  touching,  the  two  outer  slightly 
separated  from  tiie  middle  by  turning  the  hand  i»alm  upwaiul  as  I  met 
meet  him,  it  would  uiean:  "  Where  are.  ycm  going?"  In  other  words  I 
should  say  '■^  Miinui /'"  (what  name  f),     (Smi/lli.) 

lias  he? 


Deaf-mute  natural  sij/ii. — Move  to  and  fro  the  tinger  several  times 
toward  the  person  sjKtkenof.     {Ijarnoii.) 

Have  von  ? 


Deaf-mute  natural  nit/u. — Move  the  tinger  to  and  fro  several  times 
toward  the  person  t((  whom  the  one  is  speaking,     {fjarsou.) 

VViu'n  ? 


With  its  index  extended  and  pointing  forward,  back  u])ward,  rotate 
the  right  hand  several  times  to  the  right  and  left,  describing  an  arc 
with  the  im'ex.     (Dakota   IV.) 

Are  von  ' 


Deaf-mute  natural  .s'/V/«.v. — Point  to  the  jjerson  sjioken  to  and  shghtly 
nod  the  iiead,  with  an  incjuiring  look.     {Ballard.) 

Pi)int  with  the  tbretinger,  as  if  to  i)oint  towaid  the  second  person,  at 
the  sanu'  time  nod  the  head  as  if  to  say  "yes."     {Zeij/ler.) 

Quick,  (|iiickly. 

Sanu!  motion  and  i»ositi(ui  as  ^ooil,  arm  slightly  more  raised  and 
moved  out  faster  and  thrown  back  more  rapidly  by  a  (piick  motion, 
{Ojibira  IV.) 


.:.| 
$'.i 

m: 


211 

Both  hands  sliouhl  bo  i)hiced  horizontal,  pahns  upward,  pointinj)^  for- 
ward, about  throe  iiichos  apart  in  front  of  the  h)wer  part  of  tlio  cliost, 
and  then  quickly  raised  about  ei};ht  inches,  at  the  same  time  shaking 
them  a  littU<  from  si(hi  to  side.  {DakoUt  V'l.)  "Idea  of  lightness,  and 
therefcu-e  (piick  motion." 

4|lliet,  he;  be  not  alarmiMi ;  have  ])iitien<.-o. 

Tiie  palm  of  tiie  hand  is  iiehl  toward  the  person.  This  is  also  the 
sign  for  Surrender,     (l.oiu/.) 

Place  the  forefinger  en-  the  hand  over  the  mouth.     (Arapaho  I.) 

The  right  hand  with  palm  downward,  horizontal,  tlat,  lingers  ex- 
tended and  pointing  forward  (W)  brought  to  the  front  median  line  of 
body,  amlaltoutafool  from  it,  and  then  carried  on  the  same  level  to  the 
right  side  of  tin^  body,  where  two  or  three  (piick  upward  and  downward 
movements  of  the  hand  and  arm  complete  the  sign.  {Dakota  I.)  "  Sit 
down ;  be  (iiii<it." 

Deaf-mute  natural  Hiijns. — Hold  the  hand  still  in  the  iiir.     {Ilnllard.) 

Fold  the  iirms.     {Larson.) 

Patience. 


The  open  Hat  right  hand  is  laid,  buck  outward,  ovei'  the  left  breast,  and 
then  both  hands,  with  lingers  exteinled,  separated,  ami  somewhat  (Mirved, 
are  held  horizontally,  with  jKdniiir  surliices  looking  toward  t»ne  another, 
a  few  inches  apart,  in  front  of  the  body  (P,  turned  horizontitlly)  (this 
is  !'J,vi>an<le(l,lartie);  and  tli''.i  the  hands  ar(^  closed  (lists  ||)  and  passed 
slowly  over  one  another  witii  a  slight  shaking  or  trcmidoiis  motion  of 
the  hands  and  arms.     {Dakota  I.)     "  A  (large)  patient,  enduring  licart." 

Rabbit.    See  also  Ilai*<'. 

The  fore  and  litth^  ling«'r  of  tlu'  right  hand  are exten«l«'d,  representing 
the  ears  of  tiie  animal ;  the  hand  is  then  bobbed  forward  to  show  the 
leaping  motion  of  tlu^  animal.     {Louij.) 

Knill.     (('ompare  Nilow  and  Ileal.) 

Begin  with  tht^  sign  of  Wal(>l\  then  rais(*  the  hands  even  with  the 
f(U'ehea<l,  extending  the  lingers  outward,  and  give  a  shaking  motion  as 
if  to  rcpiesent  the  drii>])ing  of  water.     {Duubar.) 

The  sign  for  UVater  P''*'*'*'<1*''^  that  for  Jiiiiow.     {lAmij.) 

Scatter  the  lingers  downward.  The  saiiu*  sign  (lenot(^s  Niiovr. 
{liurton.) 

Imitate  its  fall  with  th«>  hand,  jtalm  down,  partially  closed,  (Ingers 
separated  and  pointing  <h)wnward;  then  move  the  hand  in  a  dinuit 
course  towmnl  the  ground.     (Arapaho  I.) 


i 


■II 

f '  i 

1 

III 

m 


212 


I  '     ■!■•'''!*: 


Both  Iiaiul8,  fingens  and  thumbs  drooping,  held  to  the  level  of  the 
head;  fiiijjors  slowly  closed  and  opened,  and  motion  downward  made, 
as  thongli  tlirting  water  from  the  ends  of  the  lingers.     (Cheyenne  1.) 

Carry  both  hands  over  the  heatl,  with  fingers  seitarated.  curved  down- 
ward (4|),  palms  inward,  then  makeash)ping  downwurd  movement  with 
the  hands,  Hexing  iuid  extending  all  the  lingers  slightly  and  with  con- 
siderabh>  rapidity,  as  lu'arly  as  possible  in  imitation  of  the  droj)s  of  rain 
falling  on  tiie  face  and  body.     {I)(tl,-<)ta  1.)     "From  the  falling  of  rain." 

Suspend  the  hands  about  a  foot  in  front  of  tlu'  slumlders,  backs  for- 
ward, fingers  separated  and  bent  a  little  and  jiointing  downward,  aiul 
shake  the  lingtMs,  or  approximate  and  se|>arate  their  ends  once  or  several 
times.  Home,  »'ach  tim(^  while  s('i)arating  the  ends  of  the  fingers,  throw 
the  liiinds  downward  about  eight  indies.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  pendcMit,  witii  fingers  separated  and  jtointing 
downward,  i)ef<)re  file  right  side  nnd  on  a  level  witii  the  head;  then 
thrust  it  downward  and  back  to  its  first  position,  repeating  the  move- 
ment two  or  three  tiiiuis.     (l)akot(t  V,  VI  ;   llldatsn  I;  Arikara  \.) 

The  hand  is  held  on  a  level  with  the  toj)  of  the  head,  fingers  separated 
and  pendent;  it  is  then  moved  downward  rapidly  a  few  inches  and 
.suddenly  arrested.  It  may  be  restored  to  its  original  position  and  the 
motion  may  be  rei>eated  once  oroftener.     (Mandaii  and  llidatm  I.) 

Both  hands  held  to  either  side  and  in  front  of  the  head,  palms  down, 
fingers  jielideut  and  separated;  then  nu)ve  the  haiuls  (U)wnward  ami 
back  again,  repeating  several  times.     (  Wi/andot  1.) 

Uaise  right  hand  in  front  of  breast,  say  fifteen  inches  from  body,  back 
upward,  lingers  hanging  down  (P  1,  with  fingers  hanging  down,  hand 
horizontal),  then  make  motion  as  though  sprinkling  water,  moving  hand 
up  and  down  from  wrist  out.     (Saltaptiii  I.)     "Spriidiling  water." 

Hold  the  right  liand  in  front  of  the  side  of  the  head,  palm  down,  fin- 
gers pendent  and  sejiarated;  then  move  the  hand  up  and  down  a  short 
distance  several  times.     (He  I.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  in  front  of  or  to  one  side  of  the  face,  palm  down, 
fingers  pendent  and  separated  ;  then  move  the  hand  downward  and 
back  to  its  original  position,  several  times,  most  of  the  movement  being 
at  the  wrist.  For  a  very  heavy  rain  both  hands  are  similarly  employed, 
but  with  a  more  vig<«'ous  motion.     (Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  iiataral  siyn,,. — An  up-and-down  motion  of  the  extended 
fingers.     (Hal  I  a  id.) 

Flr.st,  point  out  in  some  direction;  next,  move  the  open  hand  down 
fast  and  up  slowly,  successively,  and  then  nod  the  head.    (Hanenxtab.) 


213 

Move  tlu>  fiiifjers  upward  and  downward.     {Larnon.) 
Drizzling. 


IMaco  tln>  closod  liaiul  at  tlio  ln'i};lit  of  tlu'  face,  palm  down,  loaving 
tlie  index  ]toiiitinf;'  downward  and  a  little  toward  tiio  left,  then  move 
the  hand  np  and  down  several  times.     {Apaclie  1.) 

Rainbow. 

Tlie  ri{>ht  hand  witli  index-fiiifier  only  oxteinled.and  poinlinf-'  npriyht 
(J),  is  carried  from  left  to  rij^ht  in  front  of  the  head,  on  a  enrve,  and 
then  downward  toward  the  horizon  with  a  {iradually  deerca.sinfi"  spiral 
motion,  nntil  finally,  without  this  motion,  hainl  carried  on  downward, 
with  (inf>er  pointinin'  upward.  (Jhiloto  I.)  "To  go  across  the  heavens 
wrai>ped  with  different  colors." 

KaMli,  or  r:iM|ily. 

Indicate  by  (piick,  unsteady  motion  of  hands  and  body,  agitato  both 
hands  :ind  bctdy,  move  liands  <inickly  t<»  left  in  front  iind  to  right, 
palms  down,  wilii  Jerking  motions  n|)  an«l  <h)wn,  most  violently  down- 
ward, In'ad  shaken  a  little.     (OJibira  IV.) 

Receiilly.    See  Time,  Reoenlly. 

RelalioiiMliip. 

Aunt  (maternal). 

Make  the  signs  for  i?lolll<'l%  HcI'm  (to  th«>  right),  Bl'olliei*  and 
liiMler.  and  Woman.  {Kaioica  1;  Connniche  III;  Apache  U; 
Wichita  II.) 

Aunt  (i)aternal). 


Make  the  signs  for  Father,  Horx  (to  the  right),  Brother  and 
$iiMter,  and  Woman.  (Kaioica  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

lirother,  sister;  brother  and  sister. 


Tlie  sign  for  i?lan  (and  for  sister,  of  a  wonnin)  snccH-eded  by  jdacing 
the  ends  of  the  fore  and  middle  tingers  of  one  hand  together  in  the 
month.     {Loiifi.) 

Th(>  two  tirst  linger-tips  are  put  into  the  month,  denoting  that  they 
fed  from  the  same  breast.     (Barton.) 

Place  the  fore  and  middle  (ingers  in  the  month,  thus  imjylying  nursing 
at  the  breast  by  a  common  mother,     (Arapaho  I.) 

Tips  of  the  fore  and  middle  tingers  of  the  right  hand  placed  between 
nostrils  atid  montii;  brouglil  with  a  sudden  cnr\ed  motion  forward, 
outward,  and   oblicpiely  to  the  right  expresses   relationship  between 


tiii|'!i 


I'A ;" 


bin  I 

III  ■  i  ; 


j  ;     ', 
II'''     ' 

Pi  I 


■•"1^, 


11  i 


214 

children  of  8atne  father  and  mother;  must  be  preceded  by  the  sign  for 
]VIan  or  'Woman,  to  specify  brother  or  sinter.    {Cheyenne  I.) 

Put  the  tips  of  the  fore  and  second  fingers  of  either  hand  between 
the  teeth.  {Sac,  Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.)  "  Two  persons  sucking  one 
breast." 

First  and  second  fingers  of  riglit  hand  extended  (]V),  phiced  obliquely, 
backs  outward,  on  the  lips,  or  their  tips  in  the  mouth.  {Dakota  I.) 
"  Nourishment  from  the  same  breast." 

Phice  the  tips  of  tlie  extended  fore  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  between  or  against  the  lips,  and  afterward  draw  them  forward 
about  a  foot,  the  other  fingers  to  be  closed  and  the  back  of  the  hand 
upward;  tlien  make  the  first  part  of  the  sign  for  i^an,  i.e.,  the  index 
horizontally  in  trout  of  the  privates.  Sister:  The  same  as  for  brother, 
but  instead  of  the  sign  for  man  use  the  sign  for  woman  after  drawing 
the  fingers  from  the  mouth.    {Dakota  IV.)    ''  Sucking  the  same  breast." 

Another:  With  the  right  hand  closed,  leave  the  index  and  second 
fingers  extended,  palm  down;  jdace  the  tips  near  the  iimuth  and  jerk 
them  forward  about  six  inches.  {Dakota  Vl.)  "  We  derived  nourish- 
ment from  tile  same  breast." 

liring  the  riglit  hand  to  the  lips,  touching  theni  witii  tiie  index  and 
middle  fingers.  {Omaha  I.)  "To  suck  from  the  same  breast."  Ob- 
tained trom  J.  La  Kleche,  as  a  Pani  and  Omaha  sign. 

Thrust  tlie  first  fingers  into  the  mouth.     {Omaha  I.) 

Tlie  left  arm  is  semi  extended,  with  hand  in  position  (J  1),  modified 
by  being  held  horizontal  outward  and  index  extended ;  tlie  right  arm, 
hand  and  finger  now  assume  the  same  position  above  and  behind  left. 
Now,  the  right  index  is  brought  aside  of  left,  each  exteniled  parallel. 
Finally  the  right  index  is  brought  to  point  to  the  cardiac  region.  {Oto  I.) 
"Two  separate  births,  alike  in  appearance  and  at  heart." 

Thrust  the  index  and  second  fingers  into  the  mouth.  {Ponka  I.)  "  We 
two  sucked  from  the  same  breast." 

Brother  (said  by  male). 

Uring  the  left  arm  and  liaiul  to  the  left  breast,  as  if  in  embracing. 
( Wyandot  I.) 

lirotiier  (said  by  sister  or  other  brother). 

Make  the  sign  for  Brothel*  and  l^isf  ei%  followed  by  that  for  iHau. 
{Kaiowal;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  11;   Wichita  11.) 


215 


Extend  the  first  two  ttiijjers  of  the  ri}?ht  hand;  bring  the  liaud^A¥itb- 
tingers  tlius  extended,  opposite  tlie  mouth;  then  i)lace  these  two  fingers 
between  the  lips.  (Comanche  I.)  "  Both  f«)ok  nonrislinient  from  the 
same  breast." 

liight-hand  fingers  and  tliumb  dosed;  l)ring  in  front  of  tlie  riglit  side, 
extending  and  sei)arating  tlie  fore  and  second  fingers,  wliieli  are  slowly- 
brought  together  so  as  to  lie  side  by  side.     {Vai-Utv  I.) 

Both  hands  closed,  forefingers  extended ;  bring  them  together,  verti- 
cally, in  front  of  the  body,  with  the  palms  forward.    {Vul-Ute  1.) 


Plaiie  the  first  two  fingers  of  the  right  hand  between  the  lips. 
chlUi  I.) 

brother's  daughter. 


,Vi- 


Make  the  signs  for  Ilrof  lier,  Woman,  and  Roril  ((piickly  or 
continuously,  with  termination  of  last  sign  to  the  riglit  of  the  body). 
{Dakota  \\.) 

Brother's  son. 


Make  the  signs  for  Brother,  iHaii,  and  Born  (to  the  right  side 
of  the  body,  and  quickly  after  t)r  continuously  with  termination  of  gest- 
ure for  iH  an).     {Ihtl-ota  VI.) 

Brother's  wife. 


Make  tiie  signs  for  Brother,  ^an,  Woman,  aiul  l*ONNeNwion 

(Bis).    (DalotaW.) 

Make  the  signs  for  .Tly,  Brother  (Brother  an«l  Sister  and 

]?lan),  HiiN  (mside  to  the  right),  Same  or  Nimilar,  and  Woman. 

{Kuiowa\;  Comanche  \\\\  Apache  \\\    irit7//7«  II.) 

Brother  and  sister. 

With  the  right  hand  closed,  leaving  the  index  and  second  fingera 
extended  and  sligiitly  bent,  bring  the  iiand  before  the  chin,  palm  down, 
finger  tips  nearly  touching  the  month;  then  draw  them  downward  and 
forward.  This  sign  is  made  when  the  person  alluded  to  is  [tresent,  and 
has  been  referred  to  by  either  person,  or  an  in(juirer.  {Kaioica  I;  Co- 
manche III;  Apache  ll\   Wichita  II.)     "Nursed  from  the  same  breast." 

The  first  phalanges  of  the  first  and  second  fingers  are  placed  between 
the  lips  and  then  withdrawn.  This  represents  somewhat  faultily  that 
both  have  been  nourished  from  the  sanu^  source.  The  sign  is  tor  com- 
mon gender.  Masculine  or  feminine  nuiy  afterward  be  indicated  by  the 
appropriate  signs.     [Mantlan  and  Hidatm  I.) 

Brother  and  sister  (said  by  female). 

Indicate  the  individual,  then  grasp  the  tip  of  the  forefinger  with  the 
thumb  and  index.    ( Wyawfot  I.) 


i; 


!! 


I 


Ji 


:f:  3 


Hif 

■ 

l| 

mr 

|| 

ma 

n! 

lis] 

1 

m 

w 

|;i 

-»*«v*i»»>«s»«8ti*iMiUitKift»i'*«aaea«rwtf;M  ij-w 


y'   '.. 


'  ■3 


216 


Daugliter. 


Make  the  same  sign  as  for  Crirl ;  then  indicate  Parent  or  Possemon 
by  pointing  to  the  person,  or  laying  the  index  vertittally  against  the 
breast  or  pointing  to  it.     {Absaroln  1 ;  Shoslioiii  and  Banal;  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  OflMpring^,  then  designate  Age  as  described 
in  the  sign  fur  Cllild,  and  complete  by  the  sign  for  Woman.  {Da- 
kota  I.) 

Make  the  signs  for  Birth  and  Woman.  (Kaioira  I;  Vonianche 
III;  Apache  II;    Wichita  II.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sif/n. — Point  the  finger  to  the  ear  (becanse  of  the 
ear-rings)  and  then  put  down  the  hand,  when  naturally  stretched  out,  to 
the  knee.     (Lamon.) 

Daughter's  daughter. 


Make  the  signs  for  Woman  and  Brother  (Sister),  Born  (to 
the  right  of  the  body),  and  W^onian.     {Dal-vta  YI.) 

Daughter's  son. 


Make  the  signs  for  W^oman  and  Brother  (Sister),  Born,  and 

man,  both  off  from  the  right  side  of  the  body.     {Dakota  VI.) 

Family,  members  of  one. 


Grasp  tlie  tip  of  the  forefinger  with  the  thumb  and  fingers  of  the  right 
hand.  AVhen  more  fingers  are  used  than  the  index  thumb,  it  indicates 
more  individuals.       (Wyandot  I.) 

Father,  mother  (parents). 


The  same  sign  of  issue  from  the  loins  as  OtfKprin:;',  with  additions: 
e.  g.,  for  iflother,  give  I  or  My,  next  W^oman,  and  thm  the  sym- 
bol of  parentage.  For  (irrandlliother  add  to  the  end  clasped  hands, 
closed  eyes,  ami  like  an  old  woman's  bent  back.     (Burton.) 

With  the  right  hand  pretend  to  grasp  the  right  breast  with  the  ex- 
tended fingers  and  thumb;  then  draw  them  outward  iibout  twelve  inches 
Compare  Parentaj^e.     (Ahsoroka  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

The  right  hand,  with  fingers  arched,  separated  tii)s,  i)ointiug  inward 
toward  the  abdomen,  is  carried  in  and  out  two  or  three  times  with  a  sort 
of  gral)bing  motioTi.     (Dakota  I.)     "  Part  of  the  same  body." 

After  making  the  sign  in  front  of  the  privates  for  Ulan,  make  the 
sign  for  mother.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Another:  Touch  the  right  or  left  breast  with  the  joined  ends  of  the 
fingers  of  the  right  hand,  and  then  make  the  motion  in  front  of  the  right 
breast  with  the  fist  as  for  Old  man.     (Dakota  IV.) 


f  N/lt  IB 

m 


217 

Same  sign  as  for  Parent.     {Dakota  VI ;  Wyandot  I.) 

Collect  the  liiiyers  and  thuinb  of  tlie  right  hand  to  a  i)oint  or  nearly 
80,  and  i)retend  to  grasp  the  breast,  and  draw  the  hand  forward  about 
eight  inelies.     {Kaiotcal;  Coiitaiwhe  III  j  Apache  11 ;   Wichita  U.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  «/</««.— Close  the  hand  while  the  thumb  is  still  up 
and  then  rest  the  thumb  on  the  lips.     {Hanemtab.) 

Move  the  forefinger  along  the  jaws — because  of  the  beard.     {Larson.) 

Father's  brother. 

Make  the  signs  for  Parent  (Father),  PoM»«:;!>iMion  (His)  (to  the 
light),  man,  and  Brother. 

Father's  father. 

Make  the  signs  for  my,  Father,  Over,  and  Pather.  Some- 
times, forilhistrating  more  clearly,  the  sign  for  A^ed  is  added.  {Kai- 
oical;  Cumanche  III)  Apache  II;    Wichita  II.) 


Father's  mother. 


Make  the  signs  for  my,  mother  (parent  and  woman),  Over,  and 
mother.     {Kaioica  I;  (,'omanchclll;  Apache  II;    Wichita  II.) 

Father's  sister. 


Make  the   .-igns  for  Parent  (father),  Possession  (His),  man 
(to  the  right),  and  $4ister.     {Dakota  VI.) 

(Irnndfather. 


Make  the  signs  for  Parent,  Time  long'  ngo,  Ajj^ed  and  Born. 

{Dakota  VI.) 

(Irandmother. 


Ends  of  Hiigers  of  both  hands  touching  tiie  breasts  on  their  respective 
sides,  (this  is  mother),  then  make  the  sign  for  liW^onian,  by  drawing 
the  hand  downward  at  the  right  side  of  the  head  as  though  ])assiiig  a 
comb  througii  the  long  liair,  and  then  complete  by  the  sign  for  Old,  by 
describing  willi  the  right  hand  in  front  of  the  right  side  of  tiie  body 
part  of  a  circlr  after  the  manner  of  using  a  cane  for  support  in  walk 
ing.  {Dakota  1.)  "Denotes  an  aged  person.  Decrepit  age  dependent 
on  a  statt." 

Make  the  signs  for  Parent,  IVonian,  Time  long:  ag:o,  Ag^ed 

and  Born.     {Dakota  VL) 

Husband.  -      . 


Sign  for  Companion,     {Dakota  I.)     "United." 

28 


ifii 


t 

.'i 


'( -fi 


■H 


218 


Husband  (said  by  wife). 


Make  the  si{,Mi  for  liailie,  followed  by  tliat  for  IVIan.     {Kaioica  I; 
Comanche  III;  Apache  11;   Wichitall.) 

Motlier. 


Touch  the  breast  and  phice  the  forefliiyer  in  the  mouth.    {Arapaho  I.) 

lii{>iithaiid  fiufjers  and  thumb  closed  inward  as  though  clasping 
breast  (inammic)  and  drawn  outward  three  or  four  times.     {(Jheyeiinc  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Father,  followed  by  that  for  Woiliail.  {Ahm- 
roku  1;  IShoxhoni  and  lianak  I.)     ''Woman  parent." 

From  a  foot  in  front  of  the  right  or  left  breast,  move  the  right  hand, 
its  palm  backward  and  its  lingers  semiflexed  and  spread,  near  to  the 
breast,  iind  after  bringing  the  ends  of  the  fingers  together,  move  the 
hand  forward  again  and  half  open  the  fingers  and  sj)read  them.  Miike 
these  motions  two  or  three  times,  somewhat  rai)idly.  {Dakota  IW)  "In 
imitation  of  sucking  the  breast." 

Ends  of  the  tiiigers  of  both  hands  [S)  touching  th((  breasts  of  their 
respective  sides.  {Dakota  I.)  "Indicating  the  mamnue — one  who  has 
nursed  a  child." 

Make  the  signs  for  Parent  and  Woman.  {Dakota  VI;  Wyandot 
I;  Kaioical;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;    Wichitall.) 

Deafnmte  natural  siffn. — Close  the  hand  except  the  little  finger  and 
then  rest  the  finger  on  the  lips.     {HaHcnstal).) 

Mother's  brother. 

Make  the  signs  for  Woman  and  Parent  (mother),  Po!«!«e«!!iion 

(Hers)  (to  the  right),  jflan,  and  Brother.     {Dakota  VI.) 

Mother's  father. 


Make  the  signs  for  ]Hy,  iHother,  Over,  and  Father.    {Kaioica 
I;  C'o«mHt7((' III;  A})ache  II;   IV7c7u^a  II.) 

Mother's  mother. 


Make  the  signs  for  lHy,  JUother,  Over,  and  Mother.    {Kaioioa 
I;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;   Wichitall.) 

Mother's  sister. 


Make  the  signs  for  Woman  and  Parent  (mother),  Possession 
(Hers)  (to  the  right),  and  Sister.    {Dakota  VI.) 

Nephew  (brother's  son). 


Make  the  signs  for  Iffy,  Brother,  His,  Born,  and  Woman. 

{Kaiowal;  Comanche  111;  Apache  11;   Wichitall.) 


219 

XcplM'w  (sJHtfr's  son). 

Mak«?  th«  Hifjns  for  ]?Iy,  SiMter,  Herw,  Born,  and  ITIan.    Tlie 

siffiis  for  Ifers,  Horn,  and  Mait,  are  made  to  the  rifjlit  of  tlie  body, 
nearly  at  arm's  length,  as  l)elonf>iiifi;  to  anotlier.  [Kniowa  I;  Comanche 
III;  Apache  II;    Wichita  11). 


Nie<!e  (brother's  (huigliter). 


Make  the  si|,'ns  for  ]?Iy,  Brother,  BIm,  Born,  and  l^^oman. 

(Kaiuira  I;  Comanche  11;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

Niece  (sister's  daughter). 


Ma|{e  the  signs  for  iHy,  ^^iwter,  BerM,  Born,  and  ll'^onian. 

The  signs  for  JIern  and  Horn  are  made  to  the  right  of  tiie  body  nearly 
at  arm's  lengtii,  as  belonging  to  another;  altliongli  the  riign  must  be 
made  at  the  s|teaker's  liead,  tlie  sign  is  understood  as  referring  to  the 
preceding  signs.     {Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II  ;  Wichita  II.) 

Sister, 


Hign  for  Brother,  and,  if  necessary  to  distinguish  gender,  add  that 
for  Nqiiaw.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Same  sign  as  for  Brother,  exce]»t  designation  of  the  sex.     {Dakota 
I.)    "  We  are  from  the  same  brother." 

Make  tin;  signs  for  Woman  and  Brother.     {Dal:ota  VI.) 

.Sister. 


Tlie  light  arm  is  flexed  upward,  and  hand,  in  itosition  (!%  I),  modified 
by  fingers  being  a)»proxiinated,  is  then  approached  to  tlu^  mouth  and 
ends  of  fingers  a|)proximated  and  inserted  betweey  lips;  the  liaml  is 
then  withdrawn,  and  the  index-fiiiger,  extended,  jtoints  to  the  (;ardiac 
region  the  hands  are  then  collected,  as  in  tyi)e  (A),  and  held  in  main- 
inary  region.     {Oto  1.)     "A  female  dear  to  my  heart  and  lips." 

I*ass  the  flat  right  hand,  i)aliu  toward  the  body,  from  the  pubis  down- 
ward, forward  ami  ujiward,  then  elevate  tlieiirst  two  fingers  of  the  right 
hand.     {Utcl.) 

JkaJ'mute  natural  xign. — An  uninstructed  deaf-mute,  as  related  by  Mr. 
Denison,  of  the  Columbian  Institution,  invented,  to  express  ISiiiter,  first 
the  sign  for  Female,  made  by  the  half-clnsed  hands,  with  the  ends  of 
fingers  touching  the  breasts,  followed  by  the  index  in  the  moutii. 


Sister  (said  by  brother  or  other  sister). 


IJring  the  left  arm  and  hand  to  the  left  breast,  as  if  in  an  embrace, 
then  elevate  the  forefinger.     ( WyamJot  1.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Brother  and  Sifter,  followed  by  tliat  for 
Woman.    {Kaioical;  Comanche  111;  Apache  U;    Wichita  II.) 


.'! 


J 


I'ii! 


i     I 


;n 


220 


Sister's  (laughter. 


Mnko  the  sigius  for  \¥oiiinn  and  Brother  {iiinter),  lil^oiiiaii 

and  noril  (to  tlie  right  side  of  the  body)  in  a  (;ontiiiuou8  nioveniunt. 
(Dakota  VI.) 

Sister's  huslnuid. 


Make  tli(>.  signs   tor  Brother  and  l¥oilian  (ninter),  I?lnn  and 

PoHMCMNion  (Berw),  botii  to  the  right.     (Dakota  VI.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Ifly,  NiMter,  (Itrotlier  and  Hinter  and  iroman), 
BerM  (nnide  to  tlie  right),  Name  or  similar,  and  jllail.  (Kaiowa 
I;  (Joiuanche  III;  Apache  \\  \    Wichita  II.) 

Sister's  son. 


Make  the  signs  for  l¥oilian  and  Brother  (Hister),  Ulan   and 

Born  (to  tlie  right  of  the  body).     {Dakota  VI.) 

Son.   See  Child  (oflM|»rin^);  I?Iale, andlllan.   (Arapahol.) 


Same  as  the  sign  for  Dau^^hter*  excepting  designation   of  sex. 

(Dakota  I.) 

Make  tlie  signs  for  Birth  and  iTIan.     (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III; 
Apache  II ;   Wichita  11.) 

Son's  <laaghter. 


Make  the  signs  for  Born,  Born,  and  IWonian.     (Dakota  VI.) 
Son's  son.  , 


Make  the  signs  for  Born,  Born,  and  Ulan.     (Dakota  VI.) 
Uncle  (maternal). 


Make  the  signs  for  Fattier,  BiM  (to  the  riglit),  Brotiier  and 
Sifter,  and  "Woman.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wi- 
chita II.) 

Uncle  (paternal). 


Make  the  signs  for  Father,  UIh  (to  the  right),  Brother  and 
iSititer,  and  man.     (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  111;  Apache  11;  Wichita  H.) 


Wife.    (See  also  Companion.) 


The  dexter  foretiuger  is  passed  between  the  extended  thumb  and  index 
of  the  left.     (Burton.) 

Same  as  Companion.    (Dakota  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  ll''onian,  and  then  lay  the  two  forefingers  to- 
gether side  by  side,  straight  and  pointing  forward,  the  other  fingers 
loosely  closed.    (Dakota  IV.)    "  Two  joined  as  one." 


:!il 


221 

(1)  Make  tliu  si^^ii  tor  Woilinn ;  (2)  two  tln^iccrH  left  liiiiid  extciidiHl 
(IV;  liori/ontiil,  t'orwiird,  iiiid  finders  t«>ii(;hiii}j:);  (.'{)  both  tists  to  client, 
con  a  more ;  (4)  left  iiriii  circled  before  and  drawn  towai'd  tlui  body. 
{Apticlit;  III.)  "(1)  A  woman  {'2)  mated,  (.'{)  very  dear  to  me,  (4)  and 
wlioni  I  embrace." 

My  wife. 


Make  the  Hi^n  for  $iiailie,  followed  by  that  f(U-  Woilinil.  {Kaituca 
J;  Conianche  III ;  Apache  II;   Wicliitn  II.) 

Make  che  sijrn  for  ^Woiliail,  and  then  move  the  ri{>'ht  (1st,  ba(;k  ont- 
ward,  fo/ward  a  foot  or  eif^hteen  iiH;hes  from  six  inches  in  front  of  the 
navel.     {Jhikota  IV.)    "  Woman  i  have." 

Wife  or  mother. 


The  hands,  in  i>()sition  (A),  are  i»roii<fht  to  the  chest  and  sli};htly  passed 
alon}"'  over  tlie  mammary  in'ominence.  The  ri}>ht  hand  then  passes 
sweeitinjily  downward  and  ontward,  palm  toward  the  Ixuly,  describing 
rnddy  tiie  exit  of  the  child  from  tin'  htins  in  tiie  obstetrical  <mrve  of 
('ariis.  The  rifjht  arm  is  then  raised  and  the  extended  index  touches 
the  i»ra'cordium.  {Oto  and  Mixmmri  I.)  "Woman  or  mother  of  my 
lieart." 

Repeat ;  oflen.    See  also  Do  it  aftain. 

Extend  the  left  arm,  also  the  index-tinger,  and  with  the  latter  strike 
the  arm  at  regular  intervals,  from  front  backward,  several  tunes. 
[Wied.)     1  have  seen  this  si};ii.     {MatthewH.) 

Deaf  mute  natHral  .si(fn. — Put  the  finj^ers  of  the  two  hands  together 
(tip  to  tip)  and  rub  them  rapidly.     {Ballard.) 

Ttalian  sir/n. — A  man  who  puts  his  tinker  behind  his  ear,  or  who  sticks 
out  his  chin  and  parts  his  lips,  wishes  to  have  something  repeated  which 
he  has  imperfectly  heard.     (Butler.) 

Retreat,  or  to  return  through  fear. 

Begin  with  the  sign  for  Traveling:  moderately  or  ITIarcliingrt 

then  draw  the  tips  of  the  fingers  and  thumb  together  and  retreat  the 
hand  to  the  body.     [Lou<j.) 

Both  hands  closed  (B)  at  the  left  breast  on  the  same  level  and  nearly 
joined;  tlien  carry  thc!!>  outward  right  to  right,  left  to  left,  in  front  of 
the  shoulders,  with  arms  more  than  half  extended,  and  in  transit  open 
the  hands  so  that  when  brought  to  a  stoj)  the  palms  will  be  upward, 
fingers  slightly  separated,  curved  upward.  {Dakota  I.)  "Heart  was 
not  brave;  what  was  I  to  do? ;  would  seem  to  indicate  utter  helplessness 
under  the  circumstances.  In  such  cases  the  man  would  not  be  stamped 
a  coward.    See  the  conception  of  BraveJ'^ 


•  ''ijift'' 


'if 


if' 


Pl*«  '' 


I   " 


'■■} 


■                ''    ' 

222 

Rhlffc. 

Rijjht  liaiid  hori/oiital,  hack  outward,  fliijjiTs  (^\t<>iul<Ml,('d|r('.  of  hand 
downward,  is  drawn  from  I«ft  to  ri}j;lit  al)onl  a  foot  in  front  of  tlio  face; 
if  a,ja;;};(>d  ridK't>,  iiidi(;at(;  by  upward  and  downward  slnirp  nu)V<>inentH 
of  tli«>  iiand  ;  if  a  Unol  otu',  by  drawing;  tiu^  inind  on  as  nearly  tlic  saniu 
level  as  |>ossil»li'.     (Dakota  1.)     "  From  the  appearance  of  a  ridjje." 

RidillUr  (horseback).     8e(^  llorM4'  and  liioillK'. 

RiY'er.    (Compare  llroud.) 

The  hand,  in  the  form  of  a  scoo|>  or  ladle,  is  carried  to  the  mouth,  as 
if  conveyiii};  water,  and  drawn  alonf^  in  a  hori/.ontal  line  with  the  edfjo 
downward,  about  flie  heij^iit  of  tiie  breast.     (Loikj.) 

Another:  Hold  up  tlie  Miij;»'rs  ol  tlie  left  hand,  a  little  diverjjinf; 
from  each  other  (repn-siMitinf;  a  mountain  rauffe),  and  to  conv«'y  the  idea 
of  tlie  streams  thtwin^  from  them,  place  the  indexlin^^er  of  the  v'\\i\\t 
hand  alternately  between  each  two  of  them  and  draw  it  away  in  a  ser- 
pentine maniuM-.     [Iioiuj.) 

Open  the  ri};ht  hand  and  |»ass  it  before  the  mouth  from  above  down- 
ward. (  W'ivd.)  If  WiciVH  siffu  is  complete  ther*'  is  a  simihiiity  in  (!OU- 
ception,  but  the  (0/«  I)  si^^n  represents  the  c(>nce|)tion  "water,"  and  that 
which  retains  it  at  sides  ami  directs  the  flow.  "  Something  we  drink, 
retained  by  banks  at  sides.''     (liotelcr.) 

The  Ihifi'er  traces  seritentine  lines  on  the  yrouiul.     {Ojihwn  I.) 

Make  thesi}>ii  for  Drillkiii;f,an(l  then  wave  both  the  palmsoutward. 
A  rivulet,  (acek,  or  stream  is  siiown  by  the  drinkiuy  siyii,  and  by  hold- 
iufi'  tlie  index  til)  between  the  thumb  and  meilius;  an  arroyo(dry  water- 
course), by  coverinj;'  up  the  tip  with  the  thumb  and  middle  linger.  (liar- 
ton.) 

A  movement  of  the  extended  hand,  palii>  down  and  horizuntal,  tiu- 
{jers  joined,  indicative  at  once  of  thetlowiii}^  of  water,  and  the  ineaiuler- 
inf>' of  its  current.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Sif-n  for  Water,  followed  by  the  sign  for  !§nake.  {Cheyenne  I.) 
"A  river  is  flowing  watir. 

Make  the  siffii  for  Water,  then  place  the  extended  Hat  liatul,  jialra 
down,  before  the  bieast,  and  push  it  forward  to  arm's  lenjjth.  (Abiia- 
rolu  1 ;  iShoshoni  and  lianak  I.) 

Right  hand  to  the  left  side  of  body,  level  of  shoulder,  edge  of  fingers 
outward,  extended,  i)ointing  obliquely  downward  toward  i.  e  left  (S 
turned  downward),  carry  the  hand  downward  on  a  double  curve  in  front 
of  the  body  and  toward  the  right.     (Dakota  ll.)     "  Running  water." 


r 

J' 


223 

Make  tlic,  si^ii  for  Water,  (i.  e.,  pliic*'.  tlu'  ri^lit  hand,  upri({lit,  nix  or 
eiglit  inclu's  in  front  of  t\w  inoutli,  back  outward,  index  and  flinnib 
(;rook(>d  and  tlit'ir  ends  ahont  an  int'li  apart,  tiif  otln-i-  tin^^ers  iH'aily 
eioHcd ;  move  it  toward  t lit'  niontli,  and  tlirn  downward  nearly  to  tiie 
top  (»f  tlio  breastbone,  at  tlie  same  time  tnrnin;;  tlie  iiand  over  toward 
tbe  inoiitli  nntil  tlie  littl(>  tin;;(>r  is  nppermost);  then  draw  the  ri;r|it  hand, 
its  bark  tbrwiird,  the  index  extended  and  jiointin;;  toward  the  left,  and 
tin'  other  lingers  elosed,  from  about  two  feet  in  front  of  the  left  shoid- 
der  toward  the  ri;;ht  nntil  it  is  a  foot  or  ho  outside  of  the  lin«'  of  the 
ri^jlit  shoidiler.     { l><il,t)ttt  IV.)     "  liOUfj  water." 

lti;;lit  hand  brou;:ht,  eu|)  shaped,  palm  u|)ward,  to  the  m:>utli;  hand, 
as  in  t.vpe  (F  I),  modified  by  l)ein;;'  a  little  more  relaxed;  i»otli  hands  are 
then  extended  and  tiie  ed;jes  lield  verti<'ally,  jialms  faein^j,  but  hands 
a|)art;  the  hands  in  same  relative  positions  are  then  moved  to  and  from 
the  l»ody.  ((tin  I.)  ''Tliat  we  drink;  llowinjr  and  retained  between 
banks." 

Colleet  the  tliij;('rs  of  the  ii;'lit  hand  to  a  point  and  briny,  it  t(t  the 
mouth,  |iaiiii  lirst,  then  wave  the  Hat  hand,  palm  down,  liori/ontally 
fntni  rifiht  to  left.     (  Wj/antlot  J.)     "JJroad  \vatei\" 

Raise  hands  to  side.s,  lingers  extended,  palms  obli(iiu'(X  1,  with  palm 
obli(pH>),  then  at  same  time  move  Itoth  on  ])arallel  lines  as  far  as  aruis 
can  reaeh,  showin;;'  a  troujfli ;  then  pla(H'  rij,'lit  hand  three  or  four  inehes 
from  mouth,  palm  u|>ward  and  liollow«>d  as  thou};ii  lioidinj^  water,  and 
move  it  quiekly  jtast  the  mouth,  resting  in  last  position  Just  in  front  of 
chin.     (S<ili<ii>tiii  I.)     "  Water  running;'  in  a  trouj;h." 

Put  hand  in  front  of  mouth,  palm  u|>ward  and  hollowed  as  thcui^h 
holding;  w  ater  nvd  move  it  jtiist  the  mouth,  restinji'  in  front  of  chin  ;  then 
from  a  ])oint  in  front  of  breast  make  winding'  movement  to  a  jtoint  as 
far  Irom  the  body  as  aim  will  reach,  finjjers  naturally  relaxed,  (Y  1, 
palm  vertical),  as  thouf;h  trac^inji  course  of  stream.     {ISuhoptin  I.) 

Hold  the  rifi'ht  hand  tiattened  and  extended,  w^ith  palm  down,  to  the 
side  of  tlie  rij;ht  hip,  tluMi  pass  it  forward  toward  the  left  side  in  a  ser- 
pentine movement.  {iJomanvhe  11.)  "The  hand  represents  the  Hat  sur- 
face' of  the  water,  the  movement  the  serpentine  course." 

Make  the  si^-n  for  liVatei*,  then  hold  the  extended  foretinijer  of  the 
left  hand  diagonally  in  front  of  the  body;  palm  down,  then  pass  the 
point  of  the  index  along  the  left  from  the  base  of  the  palm  to  the  tip  of 
tbe  forefinger.     {Vtc  I.) 

Hold  the  right  hand  flat  and  extended  at  the  height  of  ihe  hip,  and 
push  it,  palm  downward,  in  a  serpentine  manner  diagonally  across 
toward  the  left.    (Apache  I.) 


:.  1 


m 


i!t- 


V 


fi::. 


ill 


'■'  i' 


M 


221 

Deaf  mute  natural  signs. — An  undulating  motion  of  the  hand.    [Bal- 
lard.) 

Move  the  forefinger  forward  in  a  circle  just  below  the  niontli,  indicat- 
ing the  motion  of  rolling  waves,  and  then  point  to  the  place  of  it. 

{Hasenstah.) 

liaise  the  hand  toward  the  mouth  and  then  move  the  same  hand  in  a 
line  allowing  the  Howing  of  the  water.     {Lamou.) 


Across  a. 


With  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hiiiul  describe  near  the  ground  a 
wavy  line  in  tlie  direction  of  the  geographical  (course  of  the  stream 
indicated,  and  then  witli  the  same  finger  describe  a  short,  straight  line 
across  the  former  and  from  the  direction  of  the  Journey.     (Dakota  11.) 

Headwaters  or  source  of  a. 


Hold  the  extended  and  fli>.t  left  hand  venically  before  the  body  at  the 
height  of  tiie  elbow,  then  point  to  the  i)alm  with  the  index  and  make 
the  sign  lor  2?iTer  aw.iy  from  the  left  hand  with  the  light.     {Apache  I.) 

Rosnd , 

Having  the  opened  hands  eight  inches  ajtart,  pointing  forward,  paims 
ui)ward,  in  front  of  the  chest,  move  tlsem,  each  one  alternately,  back  and 
forth  about  eight  inches,     {Dakota  IV.) 

Hotli  hands  Ihit  and  extended,  jiointing  forward  from  the  chest,  palms 
upwaril,  tliunibs  an  incli  higlier  than  the  outer  edges  which  are  placed 
nearly  together,  in  this  position  ])a«,s  the  hands  forward  nearly  to  arm's 
length.  {Kaioical;  Coma  mhe  III;  Apache}  I;  Wichita  I].)  "Fromthe 
deju'cssion  usually  indicating  a  traveled  trail.'' 

On,  or  in  the  middle  of  a. 


First  nuike  tiie  sign  for  Road,  extend  the  left  forefinger  pointing 
forwar;!  and  to  the  right,  tl-en  i)lace  the  tip  of  the  exiended  iiulex, 
pointing  downward,  upon  the  .second  joint  of  the  forefinger.  {Kaioica  l  ; 
Comuiiche  HI ;  Apache  II :    Wichita  II.) 

Wogon. 


j^lake  the  wagon  sign,  and  then  wave  the  hand  along  'he  ground. 
{Burton.) 

With  the  right  hand,  forefinger  extended  and  i  ointing  downward, 
other  ffng;r«  (rlosed  (J  turned  downward),  describe  from  its  natural 
positi'jii  outward  in  front  and  to  the  left  of  the  body  as  far  as  the  arm 
can  lie  extended  the  winding  course  of  a  prairie  wagon-road.  {Dakota 
I.)     "  From  the  winding  course  of  roads." 

Robe.    See  Clothing. 


225 

Rocky  (as  a  Iiill). 

All  asceiidiiifj  motion  of  the  extended  rifjlit  hand,  fingers  .joine<l,  i>alm 
down,  toward  and  over  the  clinched  left,  which  is  constantly  interposed 
as  an  obstacle.  If  impassable,  the  ri}>ht  hand  shonld  not  pass  over  the 
left,  or  the  sijyn  may  be  completed  in  this  manner  and  that  of  negation 
added.     {Ampaho  I.) 

Round  lip  Cattle,  To.    See  Cattle. 

Run,  Running-.    (C()m]*are  IrValking-.) 

Tlie  arm  nearly  doubled  upon  itself,  and  then  the  elbow  thrown  for- 
ward and  backward,  as  in  the  act  of  runnin})^.     (Lonrf.) 

Both  hands,  fists  (B),  carried  upward  on  their  respective  sides  to  the 
level  of  the  shoulders  and  then  make  the  upward  and  downward  motions 
from  the  shoulders  in  imitation  of  their  movements  held  in  this  ,tosition 
when  running'.  {I>akofa  J.)  "  From  the  movement*  of  ti.»i  arms  when 
running." 

Extend  and  point  both  forefingers  inward,  the  right  three  or  four 
inches  behind  the  left,  i>alms  backward,  at  the  height  of  the  breast, 
then,  while  moving  the  hands  forward  tiuernati  ly,  throw  the  right  index 
over  the  left  and  the  left  over  the  right.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Both  arms  are  Hexed  and  fists  brought  before  body  at  (ienter,  a\K)ut 
four  inches  ajjart.  The  hands  iu  position  (B)  are  then  moved  forward 
successively  and  alternately  as  an  animal  galloping  or  trotting.  {Oto  I.) 
"Motion  of  limbs  in  inovemeui." 

With  one  or  both  fists  i)laced  near  the  side  of  the  chest,  move  them 
(orward  and  backward  as  in  ninning;  the  motion  beingat  the  shoulder. 
(Kaiown  I;  (Jomanche  III;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  .s>!jns. — A  rapid  motion  of  the  feet  on  the  floor. 
(Ballard.) 

Use  both  arms  and  both  open  hands  iu  a  way  similar  to  that  in  which 
the  legs  are  used  to  run.     (Ha,scnntah,) 

Move  the  hands  up  and  down  in  the  two  pa^'allel  lines  from  the  breast. 

(Lamon.) 

Iiai»i(lly,  swiftly. 

Lay  both  haatls  fiat,  palm  downward,  and  pass  the  right  ra])idly  high 
and  far  over  the  left,  so  that  the  body  is  somewhat  raised.     (  Wied.) 

liacreil. 

Kight  hand  upright  (S),  pahp  toward  the  left,  is  moved  straight  up- 
ward and  downward  in  front  of  the  face.     (Dakota  I.) 
29 


:if^ 


'iiril 


;^ 


226 

Sad,  Sony,  Troubled.     (Comi)are  Angry.) 

The  riglit  hand  is  partly,  soiuetinies  quite,  dosed,  held  in  front  of  the 
^.lest,  almost  or  quite  in  contact  with  it,  and  made  to  describe  a  circle 
of  three  or  four  inches  radius,  once  or  oftener.  {Mandan  and  Hidatsa 
I,)  "This  indicates  the  various  contiicting'  emoti.ms  which  may  be  re- 
ferred toby  aji  Indian  when  he  says  'iNly  heart  is  bad.'" 

Both  fists  placed  before  the  breast,  ])alms  down,  thumbs  touching;, 
move  the  outer  edges  downward  as  if  breaking  a  stick,  then  place  the 
palm  of  the  hand  (or  the  fingers)  over  the  heart.  ( Wyandot  I.) 
"  Broken  heart." 

Saddle. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Hoi'iDe,  then  turn  the  left  hand  outward  to 
the  left,  and  extend  the  flexe<l  fingers  so  that  the  hand  is  horizontal, 
palm  di.Wiiward  (W),  at  the  s'.inae  time  the  fii.gers  of  the  right  hand 
are  likewise  extended,  and  then  on  a  curve,  first  to  the  right,  then  up- 
ward and  to  the  left,  the  hand  is  brought,  with  palm  downward,  nearly 
crosswise  over  the  back  of  tiie  left,  whi(;h  it  pais  gently  sererai  oics. 
(Dakota  I.)     "  Indicating  saddle  from  its  position  on  the  iic  ?<    ' 

The  sign  for  Hoi*§e  is  first  nuule  by  drawing  the  open  hand  edge, 
wise  acr(,.is  before  the  face;  the  front  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  then  straddle  the  index  and  middle  fingers  of  the  left.  Finally, 
in  re[)resentation  of  the  hand-made  and  reclining  saddle-tree  of  the  In- 
dian, the  two  fro'it  fingei"8  of  the  rig'nt  are  made  to  stand  inclined  on 
the  front  and  back  of  <"'e  left  (Oto  and  Missotiri  I.)  "Something 
astride  of  a  horse  that  inclines  before  and  behind." 

Pack,  To. 

The  clinched  fist  is  held  before  tlie  chest  at  a  variable  distance,  the 
second  row  of  knuckles  to  the  front,  usually,  the  forearm  being  semi- 
pronated  so  as  to  make  the  metacarj)o- phalangeal  articulation  of  the 
index  the  l.ighest  point  of  tlie  iiaud.  The  fist  is  tiien  struck  l)y  the 
palmar  surface  of  the  extended  fingers  of  the  right,  first  in  the  back  and 
then  on  the  side,  or  vice  versa,     {^[a)>dan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Salt. 

The  body  is  bent  forward,  and  the  palm  i)rint  of  the  right  fingers,  in 
type-position  (W),  touch  the  earth  before  the  body.  The  open  hands 
are  then  approxunated  before  the  body,  palms  in  contact,  then  diverge, 
the  right  index  touching  the  tongue  in  typa-position  (K).  The  couu- 
tenance  assumes  a  mien  of  dislike.  The  motion  to  the  ground  would 
indicate  the  salt-licks  of  the  plains.  (Oto  and  Missouri  1.)  "  Something 
from  the  ground — savory  to  the  taste." 


227 

Salutation.     Hat)(I-shakin<;. 

"  He  shook  hands" — with  the  i)arty  greeted — "ami  tlieri  pressed  his 
owiiopeii  bosom."  A /r«w,<(rt«  sign.  (Indian  sketches  by  Jolin  T.  IiviujUf, 
Philadelpliia,  18;}5,  vol.  1,  p.  Gl.) 

It  is  noticeable  that  while  the  ceremonial  gesture  of  union  or  linking 
hiin<ls  is  common  an.^  ancient  in  token  of  peace,  the  i)iactice  of  shaking 
hands  on  meeting,  now  the  annoying  etiquette  of  the  Indians  in  tlieir 
intercourse  with  whites,  was  not  used  by  them  between  ciieh  other,  and 
is  clearly  a  foreign  imi)ortation.  Their  fancy  f  )r  att'ectionate  greeting 
was  in  giving  a  pleasant  bodily  sensation  by  rul)bing  each  other's  br*.  ists, 
urms,  and  stomachs.  The  senseless  and  inconvenient  custom  of  shak- 
ing hands  is,  iiuleed,  by  no  nseans  general  throughout  the  world,  and  in 
the  extent  to  which  it  prevails  in  the  United  States  is  a  sultjecit  of  ridi- 
cule by  foreigners.  Tlie  Chinese,  with  a  higher  con(^eptiou  of  judite- 
ness,  shake  their  own  iiands.  Tlie  acdount  of  a  recent  observer  of  the 
meeting  of  two  ])olite  Oelestials  is:  "Each  placed  the  fingers  of  one  hand 
over  the  fist  of  the  other,  so  that  the  thumbs  n.et,  and  then  standing  a 
fe  V  feet  apart  raised  his  hands  gently  up  and  down  in  front  of  his 
breast.  For  special  courtesy,  after  the  foregoing  gesture,  they  place  the 
hand  which  had  been  the  actor  in  it  on  the  stomach  of  its  owner,  not  on 
that  i)art  of  the  interlocutor,  the  whole  i)roceeding  being  subjei^tive,  but 
perhiips  a  relic  of  objective  i)erformance." 

§aiiie;  similar  to  wiiat  is  mentioned  before.    (Compare 

Compiinoon.) 

Place  the  two  forefingers  parallel  to  each  other,  and  push  them  for- 
ward a  little.     (Ditiihar.) 

Tlie  two  forefingers  opened  forward,  laid  side  by  side  as  in  sign  for 
Companion,  and  gently  i)ushed  forward.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

iSame  sign  as  for  Companion.     {Ihtmtn  I.) 


,.in 


•  '-1:^ 


The  forefingers  of  both  hands  extended,  joined,  backs  ni>ward,  are 
carried  outward  from  the  breast  on  tiie  same  level  for  a  foot.  {Dalota 
I.)     "  Xo  difference — both  the  same." 


The  hands  are  placed  in  the  same  ])o>itions  as  in  Aiiead  and 
Behinii,  excrept  that  the  forefingers  are  placed  exactly  side  by  side. 
If  it  is  to  be  shown  that  tw(»  things  are  exactly  alike  or  constantly  alike 
or  beside  one  another,  the  liands  are  moved  forward  togetlierfor  a  short 
distance,     {^fan<1an  and  Jliilatsa  1.) 

Extend  forefinger  and  middle  linger  of  right  hand,  ])ointing  upward, 
thumb  crossed  over  the  other  fingers,  which  are  closed;  move  hand 
downward   and   forward.     {Omaha  I.) 


.iff!' 
■  -H 


fe«saft(«fKflMtato*i(teflia«u«Bw»**^ 


l'i<i 


!    !  i* 


ij 


in 


228 

With  the  forefingers  only  extended,  pluce  tlie  hands  in  front  of  the 
chest,  pahns  down,  so  that  the  extended  fingers  lie  side  by  aide.  (Kaio- 
wa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;   Wichita  II.)     "  One  like  the  other." 

Tlie  forefingers  only  of  both  hands  extended,  placed  side  by  side  be- 
fore the  body,  palm  down.     (Apache  I.) 

Italian  Hign — Lay  the  two  forefingers  together  side  by  side.  [liittler.) 
"Union  or  hartnony." 

ISati»>fied.    See  CJIad. 


Saw. 

Same  its  the  sign  for  Cheyenne  Indian. 

[Dakota  I.)     "  From  the  use  of  the  saw." 


(See  Trihai.  Signs.) 


5 


Scalp. 

G  ',»  the  hair  with  the  left  hand,  and  with  the  right  one  flattened 
cat  a>  .  r  the  left.     (Wied.)     Still  in  use.     (Mattheics.)    Although 

WictPs  si .  eems  inexplicit  in  description,  there  is  a  remarkable  simi- 
larity in  the  execution  and  conijeption  between  that  and  the  ( Oto  and  Mis- 
noun  I.)     {Boteler.)     ''That  part  removed  by  the  knife,  as  represented." 

The  left  hand  stationary,  eighteen  inches  in  front  of  stomach  (D),  as 
though  grasi)ing  the  scalp-lock,  and  then  the  right  hand  (X),  with 
palm  upward,  fingers  extended,  jjointing  obliquely  toward  the  left,  is 
passed  with  a  backward  or  inward  motion  under  the  left  hand  from  in 
front  of  it,  just  .as  though  drawing  ilie  knife  inward  in  scalping.  {Da- 
kota I.)     "  From  the  act  of  scalping." 

Eapidly  carry  the  left  hand  to  the  front  of  the  upper  part  of  the  chest 
and  close  it,  back  forward,  as  if  grabbing  the  hair ;  then  draw  the  right 
hand,  palm  downward,  from  left  to  right  beneath  it,  as  if  cutting.  (Da- 
kota IV.) 

Tlie  left  hand  is  raised  to  the  vertex  of  the  head  and  seizes  the  hair 
called  by  the  Indians  the  scalp-lock  ;  thus  firmly  held,  the  right  is  raised 
and  edgewise  executes  a  severing  sweep  around  the  forehead.  (Oto 
and  MisHouri  I.)     "  That  which  is  removed  as  represented." 

Grasp  the  hair  on  the  top  or  right  side  of  the  head  with  the  left  hand 
then  draw  the  flat  right  hand  with  the  edge  toward  and  across  the  side 
of  the  head  from  behind  forward.     (Pai-Ute  I.) 

Scarce,  Fe%r. 

Place  the  hand  in  the  position  given  for  Conie,  when  it  is  moved 
from  side  to  side,  arrested  in  its  motion  at  intervals,  and  wl'ere  so 
arrested  is  depressed  an  inch  or  two.    (Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 


I  i' 

li 


Strike  out  the  two  forefingers  forward  from  the  eyes.     {Burton.) 

Two  fingers  ])rqjecting.     {Macijoican.) 

IMaee  tlie  fore  and  middle  fingers  (of  tlie  right  hand  usually),  sepa- 
rated, extended,  and  jiointing  outward,  in  front  of  the  eyes,  indicating 
the  direction  of  su])i)08ed  lines  of  sight.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Pass  the  extended  index  forward  from  the  eye.  {Abmroka  I ;  S  os- 
honi  and  lianal:  I.) 


m 


229 

ISciNHors. 

With  the  fore  and  middle  fingers  imitate  the  opening  and  shutting  of 
tlie  blades  of  the  scissors.     (Long.) 

lieareli  for.    See  Hunting'.   . 

Secret ;  To  weerete.    See  Hide. 

See ;  Seeing? ;  Saw*.    (Compare  I<ook  at.) 

The  forefinger,  in  the  attitude  of  pointing,  is  i)assed  from  the  eye 
toward  the  real  or  imaginary  object.     (Long.) 

l*ass  the  extended  index-finger  forward  from  the  eye.    (  Wied.)    Same 
as  my  des(!ription,  l)nt  briefer.     (Matthews.) 


',  If    ;'|J 


fii! 


Same  as  Looii,  To.     (Dalota  I.) 

With  the  index  and  middle  fingers  of  the  right  hand  extended,  and 
their  ends  separated  about  two  inches,  point  forward  at  the  height  of 
the  eyes,  the  other  fingers  to  be  (ilosed  and  the  thumb  on  them,  back  of 
hand  ii])ward.  Hold  the  hand  still  or  move  it  forward  a  few  inches. 
( Daliota  \y.)     " Two  eyes." 

With  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  as  for  Seeing',  move  the  hand 
from  side  lo  side  several  times  at  the  wrist,  describing  a  curve.  (Bar- 
kota  IV.) 

Extend  the  index  and  second  finger  of  the  right  hand,  and  move  them 
horizontally  forwanl  from  the  eyes.     (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

The  right  hand,  held  as  an  index,  is  placed  near  the  right  ear,  its  back 
almost  or  quite  touching  the  cheek,  and  is  then  moved  forward.  (Man- 
dan  and  HidatKa  I.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  (or  both  index  and  second 
fingers  separated)  extended,  pass  from  the  eye  forward,  the  finger  tip 
pointing  in  the  same  direction.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II  j 
Wichita  II  ) 


•      ,1 


III: 


230 


:• 

'     'x. 

''"■:: ' 

i    i 

/■S5  ■ 

1  l^^yJ:i  ■■ 

;  -Sv'V    " 

[i'A 


U^yl 


'.;  < 


Another :  Draw  a  circle  around  the  eye  with  the  extended  index,  or 
witli  both  index  and  second  fingers.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache 
II;   Wichita  II.) 

Close  the  tliird  sind  little  fingers  of  the  right  hand,  lay  the  thumb  over 
them,  separate  tlie  extended  index  and  second  lingers  as  far  apart  as 
the  eyes,  bring  tlie  hand  to  the  eyes,  fingers  pointing  outward,  and  pass 
the  liand  outward.     (  Wichita  I.) 

Deaf  mute  natural  signs. — Open  the  eyes  wide  and  strain  them  at 
vacancy.     {Ballard.) 

Point  the  finger  to  the  eye.     (Larson.) 

Move  the  oi)en  hand  uj)  and  dowi  successively  in  front  of  the  eyes. 
{HaHenstab.) 

Place  tlie  forefinger  on  tiie  eye  as  if  to  see  something.    {Zeigler.) 

One  another. 

Both  hands  closed  with  the  palms  facing,  foi-efingers  straight,  flexed 
at  metacarp  il  joint  so  tliat  they  are  horizontal  and  pointing  toward  one 
anotlier  at  a  distance  of  eight  or  ten  inches;  sometimes  slightly  moved 
to  and  from  one  anotlier.  {AhnaroVa  \;  Shoshoni  and  Banalil.)  "Sign 
of  To  See  with  both  liamls,  as  representing  two  individuals." 

Seen,  or  Discovered. 

The  sign  of  a  JVIan  or  other  animal  is  made;  after  which  the  finger  is 
pointed  toward  and  approached  to  your  own  oyes.  It  is  the  sign  for 
Seeing:  reversed.     {Long.) 

Same  as  Found.    {Dalcota  I.) 

This  is  made  in  a  manner  the  reverse  of  See.   {Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Nod,  having  touched  the  eye.     {Cross.) 

Shame. 

Both  hands  to  front  of  face,  hand  and  fingers  upward,  back  outward 
(S),  pass  the  left  hand  slowly  from  left  to  right  in  front  of  the  eyes,  and 
the  riglit  in  same  way  to  the  left.     {Cheyenne  II.) 

Uead  inclined  forward  and  downward,  eyes  looking  directly  down- 
ward; i)lace  tlie  upright  hands,  with  backs  outward  (S),  about  three  or 
four  indies  in  front  of  face  so  as  to  hide  it  from  view  as  much  as  possi- 
ble.   {Dakota  I.)     "  From  covering  the  face  to  hide  the  shame." 

Both  hands  fiat,  with  extended  fingers  joined;  place  the  left  outward 
bef«)re  the  left  cheek,  pointing  upward  and  backward  toward  the  right 
side  of  the  crown,  ami  the  riglit  several  inches  from  and  before  the  left, 


■-m 


W 


231 

pointiiiR  upward  and  forward,  backs  outward,  the  face  at  tlio  same  time 
beiiijf  turued  toward  the  left.  {Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ; 
Wichita  II.) 

Sheep. 

Ki^ht  liaud  hold  forward  froui  the  lower  part  of  the  rif,dit  side  of  the 
abdomen,  palm  down,  arched,  finders  sli{,'htl.v separated,  and  make  ar(;hed 
interrupted  movements  forward.  { Ute  I.)  "  Manner  of  the  movement  of 
the  animal  while  grazing." 

Ewe. 

The  right  hand,  extended  and  slightly  arched,  held  before  the  body, 
about  two  feet  from  the  ground  ;  then  i)ush  it  forward  over  a  slight  arc 
once  or  twice.  {Ai)ache  I.)  "  Illustrates  the  .animal's  height  and  inter- 
rupted manner  of  nu)ving  forward  while  browsing." 

—  Mountain;  Bighorn.     (Ovis  montana,  Kich.) 


Move  the  hands  in  the  direction  of  the  horns  on  both  sides  of  the 
head  by  passing  them  backward  and  forward  in  the  form  of  a  half  circle. 
(Wied.)     This  sign  is  still  in  use.     (Matthews.) 

Place  the  hands  on  a  level  with  the  ears,  the  palms  facing  backward 
and  the  fingers  slightly  reversed,  to  imitate  the  ammonite-shaped  horns. 
(Burton.) 

Move  the  oi)ened  hands  backward,  one  on  each  side  of  the  head  above 
the  ears,  i>alms  inward,  fingers  slightly  flexed  and  pointing  backward. 
(Dakota.  IV.) 

Place  the  right  hand  at  the  height  of  and  straight  forward  from  the 
elbow,  palm  downward,  close  the  two  middle  fingers,  extend  and  crook 
the  iiulex  and  little  fingers,  at  the  same  time  extending  the  thumb  so  that 
it  passes  downward  and  below  the  closed  fingers.  (Ute  L)  "Curved 
horns  and  nose  is  rei)resented." 

Wether. 


Make  the  sign  for  $hee|i,  ewe ;  then  place  the  arched  left  hand 
transversely  in  front  of  the  body  (pointing  toward  the  right)  and  nearly 
close  the  right,  and  make  a  movement  from  the  left  backward  and'down- 
ward  toward  the  bodj'  as  if  drawing  a  rope.  (Apache  I.)  "Height  of 
the  animal,  walking  as  it  grazes,  and  the  long  tail." 

Shield. 

Is  shown  by  pointing  with  the  index  over  the  left  shoulder,  where  it 
is  slung  ready  to  be  brought  over  the  breast  when  required.    (Burton.) 

Both  hands  made  to  describe  a  circle  slightly  to  one  side  and  in  front 
of  the  body.    (Cheyenne  1.)  ' 


I 


i 


■m 


m 

■  !  * 

I 

^11 


"■'I 

■I 


232 


I--:;!',' 


ir),! 


Shoes,  nioccaMin^i. 

Rivistitlie  foot  iiiul  stroko  it  from  front  to  back  with  thoiiulo-x-fiiifjerof 
tlu)  hand  on  the.  same  side!.  {Wiv(h)  1  have  seen  this  sijjii.  (MnttheirH.) 
The  similarity  between  the  {Oto  ami  Minsouri  I)  sign  an«l  WiaVs  exists 
more  in  the  idea  or  eoneeption  tlian  tiie  motion  exerted.  It  is  not  prob- 
aWe  that  they  ever  werb  identical  in  execution.     {lioh-lcr.) 

Draw  the  foot  upward  and  incline  the  body  forward  so  that  the  hands 
can  r-Mich  the  foot  when  tlu>,  drawinsi  on  of  the  shoe  or  m«tceasin  is  imi- 
tated.   [Dakota  I.)     '•  From  th«^  drawiu};  on  of  the  shoe." 

Sto(»p  and,  with  tiie  lin,'j;ers  in  the  same  position  as  for  |>i*eMM,  tlinic, 
excepting  tliat  the  forefingers  are  t(t  i)oint  downward  and   the  thund)s 
nward,  move  the  hands  from  the  toes  backward  through  slight  curves, 
one  on  each  side  of  one  of  the  feet.     (Dakota  IV,) 

Another:  Make  the  same  sign  above  the  foot  without  stooping.  (Da- 
kota IV.) 

Both  hands  in  type-position  (W)  are  approximated  at  the  points  of 
the  index  lingers  before  the  toes  of  either  foot.  Then  the  hands  diverge 
and  describe  a  curve  ai'onnd  the  sides  of  the  foot  to  the  heel,  from  wliich 
point  both  liands  are  pulled  suddenly  ut)ward.  The  sign  is  ))erfect,  rep- 
resenting the  pointed  oval  of  the  moccasin  and  the  use  of  both  hands  in 
drawing  them  over  the  Ihh'I.  For  Bootw  the  last  motion  is  extended 
up  »»n  both  sides  of  the  limb  to  midway  the  foreleg.  (Oto  and  Mimouri 
I.)     "  That  which  incloses  tlie  foot  and  is  drawn  on." 

Shoot ;  Mhot.    See,  also,  Arrow  and  Ciriin. 

Discharge  of  a  deadly  missile. 

The  hand  is  clinched  in  such  a  way  that  the  tluuub  covers  the  nails  of 
the  other  digits;  the  forefingers  are  then  suddenly  extended  as  in  the 
act  of  sprinkling.  This  is  much  like  the  sign  for  Bail,  but  here  the  arm 
is  not  moved  and  the  lingers  not  strongly  tiexed.  (Mandan  and  Hi- 
da  tsa  I.) 

Struck  by  a  deadly  ndssile. 

The  deft  hand  is  held  before  the  chest  at  a  convenient  distance,  thumb 
upward,  back  outward,  lingers  slightly  bent,  and  is  struck  in  the  palm 
with  the  ba(!k  of  the  clinched  right  fist.     (Mandan  and  Uldatsa  I.) 

Short,  In  stature. 

A  short  i)erson  is  described  with  right  hand  brought  up  as  high  as  the 
head  on  right  side, forefinger  straight  upright  (J, back  outward);  move 
the  hand  down,  keeping  fingers  upward  till  it  reaches  the  waist  or 
below.  The  body  is  usually  bent  to  the  right  a  little  in  the  movement 
as  the  hand  goes  down.  IShoH  distance  is  described  the  same  as  Close 
or  ]%ear.     (Cheyenne  I.) 


233 


III  fxteiit. 


Placu  the  liaiuls,  paliu  to  palm,  a  short  or  the  rctiuinul  (listatice  apart. 
(Arupuho  I.) 

(viirtailt'fl. 


Tlio  arms  are  .seinirtexed  bel'oro  th«  body;  the  liaiids  approximated  at 
palriHt,  tlicti  made  to  diverge  to  indicate  some  leiigtii.  Tiie  ri^jht  iiaiid 
then  approximates  tlie  left  and,  ed}?e\vise,  imitates  a  cutting-oJl"  oC  a  siiort 
piece  of  tlie  finger-eiid.s.  The  word  does  not  seem  to  be  well  understood 
by  the  Indian  unless  ajiplied  to  some  object,  in  which  case  there  is  a 
com|)oiind  sifjn,    ( Oto  and  Missouri  I.)    "  Leii},fth  reduced  by  cutting  oil." 

A  little,  short  extent,  or  time,  accordinj;  to  connection. 


Raise  left  hand  to  i)o.sition  in  front  of  body,  forefiiifjer  extended  iiori- 
zontal  {yi  1,  (;han},'ed  to  left) ;  then  raise  rij^ht  hand,  first  finj^er  extended 
(H  -);  place  end  of  the  linger  near  end  of  forefinger  on  left  liand,  and 
iiiov(!  it  slowly  up  the  linger,  resting  near  its  biise  or  near  base  of  thumb, 
{Sahaptin  I.) 

(July  by  less  se[)aration  of  hands.     {Apache  III.) 

Hu'U  ;  ill. 

Hold  tlu!  tlattened  hands  toward  one  another  before  the  l»reast,  bring 
them,  held  .stiff,  in  front  of  the  breast,  and  move  them  forward  and  back- 
ward from  and  to  the  same.  (  Wied.)  As  is  evident,  no  similarity  of 
ex«'cution  or  (l(!sign  exists  between  ir/erf's  sign  a.  .  the  (Oto  and  Mis- 
souri I.)     {liotclcr.) 

Contract  shoulders  and  chest,  briig  hands  in  front  of  throat  and  chin, 
with  a  shrinking,  contracting  motion  aiul  a  shiver  (if  ague)  or  bh)W  short 
breaths  as  if  panting ;  then  carry  the  left  hand  to  the  ft»rehead  and  jircss, 
indicating  headache.     {Ojibica  IV.) 

Touch  the  part  that  is  the  seat  of  the  pain  and  then  withdraw  q;iickly 
the  touched  lind»,  or  flinch  at  the  nr^^ssure  made  on  the  part,  at  the  same 
time  the  emotions  of  the  face  exprt  s  suffering.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the 
fear  of  increased  pain  by  pressure." 

TIk!  ojten,  relaxed  hands  are  to  be  quickly  thrown  about  four  inches 
forward  and  outward,  several  times,  in  front  of  the  stomach ;  fingers 
Hprea<l  a  little,  ends  about  four  inches  apart,  palms  backward.  (JM- 
kota  IV,)    "The  pulsation  of  the  heart." 

Assume  an  appearance  of  distress,  with  general  features  relaxed. 
Both  arm.s  are  then  elevated,  semiflexed,  and  the  hands  assume  the 
type  i)osition  (Q 1),  moufied  by  lingers  being  more  curved  and  le.ss  rigid. 
The  hands  are  brought  tremblingly  thus  to  the  sides  of  the  body, 
chest,  etc.,  and  then  raised  to  the  forehead  and  the  exteiuUd  indices  made 
to  compress  the  temples.  [Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  That  which  produces 
iuward  or  bodily  distress." 
30 


>•:-! 


m 


■MJ 


m 


'Ml 

m 

m 


234 


M 


Place  the  tips  or  ends  of  the  extended  fln{;ers  and  tliunib  gently  over 
the  heart,  leaning  the  head  slightly  toward  the  left,  accompanied  by  a 
drooping  or  closing  of  the  eyelids.     (L'tc  I.) 

Another:  (JoUect  the  fingers  and  thnnib  of  the  right  (or  left)  hand  to 
a  point,  and  pla(!e  the  tips  alternately  to  the  right  and  left  sides  f  the 
chest,  accompanied  by  a  simiiltaneons  dropping  of  tlie  head,  witli  the 
eyes  partially  or  entirely  closed.     (Ute  I.)     "Location  of  pain." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Place  the  hand  ujwn  the  breast  and  pro- 
trude the  tongue.     [liaUard.) 

Place  your  palm  on  the  forehead  and  shudder.     (Cross.) 

Place  thv'  open  hand  on  the  forehead,  and  then  move  the  head  down, 
with  the  mouth  half  oi)ened.     (Hascnstah.) 

Put  forth  a  part  of  the  tongue  out  of  the  mouth  and  at  the  same  time 
raise  the  haiul  vo  the  breast.     (Larson.) 

Place  the  hand  on  the  breast,  at  the  same  time  open  tlie  mouth  as 
if  to  vomit.     (Zeigler., 

\'ery. 

Both  hands  Hat,  extended,  and  fingers  joined,  place  against  the  cheek 
bones  and  withdraw  slowly.     (  Wyandot  I.) 

Si^fii  laiij^iin^e.  , 

Tap  the  back  of  one  IuumI  with  the  palmar  surface  of  the  fingers  of 
the  other,  alternately  and  repeatedly,  then  clos(^  both  hands,  leaving  the 
forefingers  and  thumbs  fully  extemled  and  separated;  place  them  about 
four  inches  apart,  palms  facing,  and  rotate  them  in  short  vertical  cir- 
cles, in  such  a  manner  that  when  the  right  hand  occupies  the  upper 
portion  of  its  circle  the  left  will  be  below.  (Kaiowa  II ;  Comanche  III ; 
Apache  II ;    Wichita  II.)     "Hands  and  conversation." 

Silence. 

Lay  the  exteiuled  index,  pointing  upward,  over  the  mouth  so  that 
the  tij)  extends  as  far  as  the  nose,  or  alongside  the  nos^ .  (Shoshoni  and 
Banal-  I;   Ute  I.) 

Kight-hand  fingers  and  thumb  partiall\  unclosed,  placed  in  front  of 
the  mouth,  shot  upward,  and  slightly  shaken.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Ball  of  the  right  hand  resting  on  the  chin,  fingers  extended  obliquely 
upward  and  toward  the  left,  as  though  catching  the  words  thrown  out 
of  the  mouth.     (Dakota  1.)     "  Catching  the  words." 


235 

Move  tlic,  rijilit  hand  tlirouph  a  sinall  (jirclo  iiL  front  of  the  mouth, 
ba(!k  forward,  fore  and  nii(hlUi  finff»M'.s  Hpreiul  a  little,  j'xtended  and 
uprifjht,  other  fInpjerH  closed,  tlnunh  on  middle  tinfjer.  (Dakota  IV.) 
''0(M>iiing  and  closing;  the  mouth  and  the  houihIh  comiii;;  forth." 

(1)  IMit  thumbs  and  foretinjjers  spread  to  make  larj^e  circle;  (2)  heat 
tip  of  rifjht  hand  several  times  towards  it;  (3)  wave  foretinger  several 
times  <|ni(rkl.v  from  lipsu|)ward.  (ApaeheMl.)  "(1)  Drum;  (li)  heating 
accompaniment  on  it;  (<'3)  singing." 

Deaf-mute  natural  siyn. — Put  one  Hngcr  to  your  n^outh,  opening  aiul 
Bhutting  it  alternately;  set  in  motion  your  arms,  after  the  manner  in 
which  a  singer  acts.     (Crons.) 

liinj^iiif?,  Nni'i'i'd. 

I\Iove  the  upright  right  hand  in  a  circle  in  front  of  the  mouth,  the 
lingers  slightly  bent  and  separated  so  as  to  form  a  circle,  back  out- 
ward.    (Dakota  IV.) 

!§iiAter.    See  KelatioiiMliip. 

ISit  down. 

The  list  is  clinched,  and  the  nu)ti(m  of  it  is  then  the  same  as  if  it  held 
a  stafl"  and  gently  stamped  it  ui)on  the  earth  two  or  three  times.    (Long.) 

Make  a  motion  toward  the  ground,  as  if  to  pound  it  with  the  ferieut 
of  the  closed  hand.     (Burton.) 

Quickly  lower  the  extended  hand,  palm  down,  indicating  spot  aud 
action.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Right  hand  held  to  one  side,  fingers  and  thumb  drooping,  struck 
downward  to  the  ground  or  object  to  be  sat  ujmn.     (Cheyenne  1.) 

Shut  both  hands,  thumbs  up  (or  above),  raise  hands  a  little,  and 
lower  at  same  time  with  a  stpiatting  or  sitting  motion  of  body  if  the 
person  giving  the  sign  is  standing;  if  sitting,  point  to  the  place  aud 
make  motion  with  the  hands  and  arms.     (Ojibwa  IV.) 

Eight  hand  clinched,  outer  edge  downward,  and  pushed  toward  the 
the  ground.    (Absaroka  I ;  iShofihoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Another :  Make  the  sign  of  To  sit,  but  nuike  it  toward  the  spot  indi- 
cated for  the  visitor  to  occupy.     (Absaroka  I;  Shoshoni  atid  Banak  I.) 

Eight  hand  in  natural  position,  fingers  closed  (A),  palm  upward,  ex- 
tend the  forearm,  with  elbow  fixed,  straight  toward  the  front  (L),  and 
carry  it  toward  the  ground  or  seat.  (Dakota  I.)  "  Sitting  down  on 
a  chair  or  the  ground." 


'  (V 


I   1 1 ) 


i''!'jil 


m\ 


•m 


:i;. 


j-!n 


236 

Iiicliiiu  tho  body  t'urwanl  aiwl  move  tli*>  ri(;ht  tlst  dowinvanl  about 
oightouii  iiidu's  from  in  front  of  th«>  utomat'li,  at  arm's  li'ii),'tli  forward, 
bent  upward  at  the  wrist,  and  l»ack  outward.  (Ihikota  IV,)  "Down 
in  a  bunch.'' 

Tho  clinched  list,  thumb  upward,  is  lield  outward,  usually  to  tho 
right,  the  elbow  forming  nearly  a  right  angle,  the  hand  is  then  (h^jtressed 
and  siuhleiily  arrested.  This  is  a  modification  of  the  sign  for  Ntny,  or 
Abide.  When  the  sign  is  ma<lo  imperatively  the  arm  is  sometimes 
stretched  toward  the  place  where  it  is  desired  that  the  person  addressed 
shall  sit.  Sometimes  a  particular  spot,  mat,  or  seat,  if  convenient,  is 
struck  with  the  Jlst  in  nuiking  the  sign.     [Mandan  and  Ilidtitm  I.) 

Deaf-mate  natural  Hiyn. — Point  at  tho  place  where  you  wish  the  |)er- 
8on  (spoken  to)  to  sit,  and  nmkc  the  motion  of  sitting.     {Crosx.) 

and  smoke. 

Used  as  an  invitation  to  a  visitor,  and  is  made  by  carelessly  pointing 
to  the  individual,  to  iiulieate  ])erson,  then  make  the  sign  Hit  tloM'll 
and  To  Miiioke.     {Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and  lianak  I.) 

Australian  sign.     See  Wait. 

Slave. 

Slave  is  described  the  same  as  a  Captive.  The  only  persons  used 
as  slaves,  or  so  considered,  in  wild  tribes  of  plains  are  capt'  ,  Mexi- 
can children  have  been  often  taken  as  well  as  young  peo  hostile 
tribes.  The  right  hand  clinched  (C  with  palm  forward),  i»j...f^iit,  on  a 
level  with  and  to  the  right  of  right  shoulder,  is  clasped  around  the  wrist 
by  the  lingers  and  thumb  of  the  left  hand  with  back  of  hand  (left  hand) 
to  front,  and  i)ull  the  right  hand  to  the  front  twelve  or  fifteen  inches. 
{Chet/cnne  II.) 

Siiieep,  Mieeping:.    (Compare  l[i|iriit.) 

Point  to  the  ground  and  make  a  motion  as  if  of  lying  down ;  then 
close  the  eyes.     {Burton.) 

Close  the  eyes  and  incline  the  head,  tho  cheek  resting  upon  or  sup- 
ported by  the  extended  hand.  Time  may  be  indicated  by  this  means; 
"one  sleep"  (the  sign  for  sleep  and  one  finger  touched  or  held  up  alone) 
being  the  equivalent  of  twenty-four  hours  or  a  day.     {Arapaho  I.) 

Right  hand,  palm  inward,  placed  by  the  side  of  tho  head ;  head  drooped 
to  the  right,  as  if  to  fall  into  the  oi)en  palm,  and  oyea  partially  closed. 
This  also  means  to  go  to  bed.    {Cheyenne  I.) 

Another:  Forefinger  of  right  hand  crooked  and  placed  against  or 
near  the  upper  lid  of  the  eyes ;  very  short  motion  downward  and 
outward.     {Cheyenne  I.) 


237 

Tfit^  lit'iul  iiKrlint'd  widcwiHo  toward  tlio  rijjlit,  ajjaiiist  tluf  palm  of  tlio 
rijjlit  hand  with  fliijjcia  Ht(|)arattHl  (P).  (Oakota  I.)  ''  H»!ad  supported 
bj-  a  pillow." 

(M08M  the  (\yos,  iii(;liiiu  the  head  toward  tho  right,  and  lay  it  in  the 
ojM'rmd  right  hand.     [Dakota  IV.) 

The  arm  in  brought  to  the  Hide  of  liead,  with  hand  in  position  (T),  an<l 
bead  inclintMl  to  right  Hhoulder,  resting  in  i>alm,  eyes  closed.  {(Ho  I.) 
"  Rest." 

Incline  the  head  to  one  side,  close  or  partly  close  the  eyes,  and  place 
the  Hat  hand  to  within  about  six  inches  of  the  ear.     (Fai-Utc  I.) 

Dca/mnte  natural  sif/ns. — Place  the  hand  upon  the  cheek,  inclining 
the  head  to  one  side,  and  closing  the  eyes.     {BaUard.) 

Close  your  eyes  and  bend  your  head  sidewise  on  the  open  hand. 

[CronH.) 

First  place  the  open  hand  on  one  side  of  the  head,  next  move  the 
head,  the  eyes  having  been  shut,  down  to  the  side,  and  then  j)oint  to  the 
place  to  sleep.     {Hancnstah.) 

Close  the  eyes.     (I.nrson.) 

Shut  the  eyes,  and  incline  the  head  as  if  to  sleep.     {ZcUjler.) 

Italian  sifin. — Lay  the  open  haiul  under  the  cheek.     (Butler.) 

To  sleep  with  another. 


The  person  is  first  indicated  by  pointing,  then  place  the  forefingers 
of  each  band  side  by  side  in  front  of  the  breast,  back  upward,  at  the 
same  time  ijuilining  the  head  a  little  to  the  left  and  partially  closing  tho 
eyes.     (Dakota  V.) 

Cross  both  closed  hands  and  arms  before  tlie  breast  as  if  in  an  em- 
brace, then  lay  tlie  i^xteucbHl  index  and  forelinger  side  by  side,  palms 
down,  pointing  forward,  and  move  them  over  toward  the  right  so  that 
the  backs  of  the  bands  point  downward  toward  the  right  at  the  termina- 
tion of  the  sign,     {i'te  I.) 

Sleepless. 

The  head  is  held  nearer  the  middle  line  than  in  the  sign  for  Sleep* 
The  hand  is  then  raised  in  i)osltion  CX),  and  made  to  quiver  with  palm 
outward.     (Oto  l.)     "Unrest." 

Slow. 

Extend  the  left  arm,  curving  the  forefinger  and  holding  it  still.  The 
right  arm  does  the  same  but  is  drawn  back  with  several  short  and  cir- 
cular movements.     (  Wied.) 


!ir 


'm 


53 1; 

•"■I  <(<l 


i!i 


til 

■in  il 


wwmm 


"r 


i! 


I 


238 

Both  haud.a  ii  front  of  breast  with  Augers  extended,  etc.,  a,s  ("W), 
pass  the  ri};ht  hand  forward  over  the  back  of  the  left  sioicly,  ( Dakota 
I.)     "Slow  iu  motion." 

The  hands,  four  to  eight  inchea  apart,  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the 
lower  part  of  the  ches*^,  with  the  tbretingers  extended,  pointing  forward 
and  backs  upward,  should  be  slowly  lowered  about  eight  inches  and  at 
the  same  time  se;)arated  by  bringing  the  elbows  to  the  sides.  The 
other  tinkers  are  to  be  nearly  closed,  thumbs  against  the  middle  fingers 
or  uudei  them.     (Dakota  IV.)     "Going  backward,  and  therefore  slow." 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — A  slow,  horizontal  movement  of  the  hand. 
{DaUafd.) 

In  reference  to  walking,  walk  slowly  for  a  little  distance;  to  serving, 
slowly  coi)y  such  a  manner  as  a  dressmaker  actually  does,  and  so  on. 

( Cross. ) 

$111,111;  Little;  a  i'en ;  Miiiall  amount.    (Compare  iVotli- 

inir.) 

PaiLS  the  nearly  closed  haiuls  several  times  by  jerks  over  one  another, 
tie  right  hand  above.  [WioJ.)  There  are  various  signs  for  Little, 
depeiuling  on  ilie  nature  of  the  object  described.  I  have  given  you  one. 
I  do  not  remember  this  of  the  Prince  of  Wied.     {Matthews.) 

(1)  Fingers  and  thumb  of  both  hands  closed,  nands  bent  backward 
from  ILe  wrist,  and  thus  (2)  crosses  right  above  the  left  before  the  breast. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

First  lay  the  open  hands  on  the  body,  backs  outward,  and  then  make 
the  si^..  for  .flan,  or  the  animal  or  thing  to  which  the  sign  is  to  be 
applied,  and  then  close  the  hands,  fists  (A  1),  left  outside  of  the  right 
auu  about  a  foot  and  a  half  in  front  of  the  left  breast,  and  the  right 
held  just  iu  frout  of  the  left  breast ;  carry  tVm  left  liaiul  inward,  and  the 
right  hand  outward,  ♦^o  the  body  on  a  cui  ve  until  the  right  fist  is  over  the 
left.     (Dakota  I.)     "Denotes  small  in  body  or  stat' ire." 

Place  the  right  fist  or  half-closed  hand  about  tuice  inches  above  the 
left,  iu  front  of  the  navel,  i"j,dial  riideof  the  fists  upward;  then  bend  the 
hands  backward  as  far  as  possible  at  the  wrists,  and  move  the  right 
wrist  over  the  left,  at  the  same  tii"c  turning  the  palms  a  little  upward. 
(Dakota  IV.)  "  So  ssiall  or  so  little  that  it  cau  be  held  iu  the  closed 
bauds." 

T'.j  exte!uled  forefinger  of  the  left  hand  (usually  erected)  is  pinched 
near  its  extremity  between  the  thumb  and  index-finger  of  the  right 
hand.  The  degree  of  snmllness  is  to  some  extent  shown  by  the  height 
of  that  portion  of  the  left  forefinger  which  appears  above  the  right 
thumb-nail.  For  extra  demonstration  the  eyes  are  often  partly  closed 
and  the  forefinger  pinched  tightly.     (Mandan  and  Jlidatsa  I.) 


239 

The  thumb  and  front  fingers  of  the  right  hand  are  collected  and,  as 
in  type-position  (CJ),  are  made  to  grasp  sometuiiig  ;  or  both  hands  in  like 
position  are  held  para'lel,  iaciug  each  other,  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.) 
"  That  contained  between  the  finger-ends." 

With  the  forefinger  only  extended,  place  the  inner  edge  of  the  extended 
mdex  about  half  an  inch  fro::i  the  tip  of  tlie  forefinger.     ( Ute  1.) 

Extend  the  thumb  and  index,  bringing  theirpalmar  surfaces  to  within 
half  an  inch  of  one  another,  the  remaining  fingers  closed  or  nearly 
closed.  (Apacht  I.)  "  The  positions  of  the  fingers  are  the  same  as  if 
holding  a  very  small  body." 

ilold  imaginary  object  between  left  thumb  and  index ;  point  (carry- 
ing right  index  close  to  tips)  to  the  last.     (Apache  III.) 

In  size  and  a'so  in  quantity, 

Itight-hand  in  front  of  the  body,  mark  oft'  on  the  index-finger,  with 
the  thumb,  a  small  portion  of  it,  other  fingers  closed.  (Dakota  I.)  "A 
portion  of  anything,  a  small  amount." 


Deaf -mute  natural  sifjns. — Put  one  forefinger  upon  the  other  a  little 
way  from  the  tip,     (Ballard.) 

Place  the  ti  )of  one  forefinger  on  the  first  joint  of  the  other,  and  then 
half  open  the  eye«,  ixw.}  move  the  lips  from  each  other,  while  the  ujjper 
and  lower  teeth  are  kept  toward  each  other,    (Hascnstab.) 

Put  the  open  hands  together,    (Larson.) 

Use  the  teeth  as  if  to  i)ress  the  end  of  the  tongue  between,    (Zcigler.) 

Smell. 

Touch  the  nose  tip,  A  bad  smell  is  exi)ressed  by  the  same  sign, 
ejaculating  at  the  same  time  ''Pooh!"  and  making  the  sign  of  Bad. 
(Burton.) 

Fore  and  middle  fingers  of  right  hand  placed  at  or  near  the  nostrils, 
drawn  downward  and  forward  with  slightly  curved  motion,  (Chey- 
enne I.) 

Fore  and  second  fingers  of  right  hand  extended  (others  closed)  (IV), 
carried  directly  to  the  nose  and  then  forward  for  a  few  inches  in  front 
of  the  nose,  fingers  pointing  obliquely  downward,  (Dakota  1.)  "From 
the  act  of  smelling," 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Hold  the  nose  with  thumb  and  forefinger; 
or  imitate  the  act  of  snifting,    (Ballard.) 


ISbii 


240 


I  -mm 


i     1 


Poiut  at  the  nostril  with  one  finger,  witli  a  displeased  or  pleased 
expression.    (Cross.) 

Place  the  forefinger  beneath  the  nostril,  at  the  same  time  raising  the 
upper  lip  several  times  in  succession,  as  if  to  smell  something.  {Zeigler.) 

Smoke. 

Begiu  with  the  sign  for  Fire,  then  raise  the  hand  upward,  with  the 
fingers  oj)en  as  if  to  represent  smoke.    {Dunbar.) 

Snuffle  the  nose  and  raise  the  fingers  of  botli  lianda  several  times, 
rubbing  the  fingers  against  each  other.  ( Wied.)  The  rubbing  suggests 
the  old  mode  of  obtaining  fire  by  friction,  and  the  wrinkling  or  snuffling 
of  the  nose  indicates  the  efi'ect  of  the  smoke  on  that  organ. 

^yith  the  crooked  index,  describe  a  pipe  in  the  air,  beginning  at  the 
lips;  ther.  wave  the  open  hand  from  the  nioutli  to  imitate  curls  of  smoke. 
(Burton.) 

Similar  to  tlie  sign  for  Fire,  the  fingers  still  and  the  hand  ascending 
by  a  constaTitly  revolving  motion.     [Arapaho  I.) 

Sign  for  Fiire  made  slowly.     [Cheyenne  I.) 

Clinch  the  right  hand,  and  liold  it,  palm  toward  the  left  and  down- 
\vard,  about  twelve  inches  in  front  of  the  lower  i)ortion  of  the  chest. 
{Al'sarolia  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)     "  Holding  the  pipe.'" 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Fire  with  the  liand  carried  up  higher.  {Da- 
kota I.)     "  From  the  ascent  of  the  smoke." 

Make  tlie  sign  for  Fire,  and  then  hold  the  oi)ened  upright  hands, 
fingers  a  little  spread,  side  by  side,  in  front  of  the  face.  {Dakota,  IV.) 
"  Hides  everything." 

Close  both  hands,  place  them  side  by  side  toward  the  ground,  palms 
downward,  then  raise  them  quickly,  extending  the  fingers  and  thumbs 
in  doing  so,  and  malie  spiral  curves  upward  a  short  distance.    ( Ute  I.) 

Siiaiie. 

The  forefinger  is  extended  horizontally,  and  passed  along  forward  in 
a  serpentine  line.    {Long.) 

A  gliding  movement  of  the  extended  hand,  palm  down,  fingers  joined, 
in  imitation  of  reptilian  locomotion.    {Arapaho  I.) 

Right  hand  forefinger  pointing,  placed  in  front  of  and  on  a  level  with 
left  shoulder,  drawn  along  to  the  riglit  with  undulating  sinuous  motion, 
imitating  the  motion  of  a  snake  crawling.    {Cheyenne  I.) 


241 

Extended  forefluger  of  right  Land  (otbers  closed)  (J  pointing  down- 
ward instead  of  upward)  in  front  of  the  breast,  move  it  in  imitation 
of  tlie  movements  of  the  snake  in  crawling.  {Dakota  I.)  "  From  the 
crawling  of  a  snake." 

The  hand,  held  as  an  index  hand,  pointing  forward,  is  held  near  the 
body  in  front  and  usually  to  one  side;  it  is  then  advanced  rapidly  and 
with  a  tortuous  motion,  like  that  of  a  snake  crawling,  {^[anda}l  and 
Hidatsa  1.) 

Same  sign  as  that  for  l§liOHlioiii  Iniliaii.  (See  Tribal  Signs.) 
{Comanche  11;  Pai-Ute  1.) 

With  the  index  only  extended,  palm  down  and  the  hand  at  the  right 
hip,  pass  it  forward  and  toward  the  left,  moving  it  from  side  to  side  (in 
a  serpentine  manner)  in  doing  so,  the  motion  being  made  at  the  wrist. 
{Apache  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — A  zigzag  motion  forward  with  the  forefinger. 
{Ballard.) 

Move  the  arm  in  a  serpentine  form.    {Larson.) 

Point  with  the  forefinger  as  if  to  point  to  something,  at  the  same  time 
move  it  crookedly,  and  also  at  the  same  time  stretch  the  tongue  and 
move  it  to  and  fro  like  a  pendulum.     {Zeigler.) 

Snow.     (Compare  Fl*0!«t.) 

Begin  with  the  sign  for  Rain,  then  the  sign  for  Air  or  Cold,  and 
conclude  with  the  sign  for  1%'liife.     {Dunbar.) 

The  hand  is  held  up  about  as  high  as  tlie  head,  with  the  fingers  suf- 
fered to  dangle  down  id;  it  is  then  bobbed  a  little  up  and  down,  as 
if  to  throw  otf  drops  limn  (he  cuds  of  the  fingers.     {Long.) 

Scatter  tlie  fingers  downward.    1  "c  saiiie  sign  denotes  rain.    {Burton.) 

Imitate  its  fall  witli  the  hand,  pal i.i  down,  i)iu  rially  closed,  fingers 
separated  and  pointing  downward.  To  indicrate  Rain,  tli*'  hand  is 
moved  in  a  direct  course  toward  the  ground;  §inow%  mt'  liand  moves 
other  than  in  a  direct  course  to  show  drift,  ligiiicr  fall,  &c.    {Arapaho  I.) 

Same  sign  as  for  Rain,  though  the  hands  are  moved  in  and  out 
more  thaii  in  that  sign,  as  if  covering  the  body.  (Dakota  I.)  "From 
the  falling  of  the  snow." 

Tlie  same  sign  as  for  Rain  ;  but  when  it  is  ia  lessary  to  distinguish 
it  from  rain,  it  must  be  preceded  by  the  sign  for  Cold,  which  makes  it 
the  same  as  winter.    Often  the  sign  for  Rain  or  Snow  is  made  with 
one  hand  alone.     {Dakota  IV.) 
31 


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1 

liiiAJB 

'■ 


I 


242 

Make  the  signs  for  Rain  and  Deep.     {Dakota  VI ;  HidaUa  I ; 

Arikara  I.) 

T!»e  hand  in  position  of  sign  for  Rain  is  moved  downward  slowly 
and  with  a  wavering  motion.    [Mandan  and  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  face  is  cast  inquisitively  toward  the  sky  and  the  arms  and  cloth- 
ing collected  around  the  body  as  when  one  is  chilly.  Tlie  right  hand  is 
then  raised  above  the  head  with  the  fingers  collected  much  as  in  type- 
position  (H  1),  modified  by  finger  ends  being  held  a  little  more  curved. 
The  hand  then  falls  by  jer'is,  opening  and  closing  successively.  [Oto 
and  Missouri  I.)     "  Something  falling  that  makes  us  chilly." 

The  hands  are  held  as  in  the  sign  for  Rain,  but  are  then  moved 
down  toward  the  ground  and  outward  to  either  side.  Literally,  "  deep 
rain;"  rain  being  indicated,  the  dopih  is  shown  bypassing  lie  hands 
outward  toward  their  respective  sides.     { Wyandot  I.) 

Place  the  right  hand  as  high  as  the  head,  in  front  or  toward  the  right 
side,  ]y,\hn  down,  moving  it  quickly  up  aiid  down  several  times  for  a 
short  distance,  then  indicate  the  depth  upon  the  ground  with  the  fiat 
hand,  i)alm  earthward.     [Apache  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  C  IoikIn  ;  then  the  hand  descends  from  above 
the  head  (Q),  tips  down;  when  near  the  earth  wave  the  haiul.  To 
show  depth  of  snow  on  earth  si)read  both  hands,  palms  down  iW). 
(Apache  1 II.)     "  Represents  the  varying  motion  of  snow-fiakes." 

Deaf-mvte  naturdl  Nif/ns. — Point  to  the  shirt  bosom,  signifying  the 
color  white,  and  move  up  aiul  down  the  extendetl  fingers.     (Ballard.) 

Do  the  same  as  to  siiy  rain,  except  point  with  the  forefinger  to  some 
object  that  is  white,  indicating  the  whiteness  of  snow.     (Hasenstab.) 

Put  the  hands  toward  the  breast  and  shake  the  body,  ai.d  then  move 
the  outstretched  hands  upward  and  downward.     (Larson.) 

The  right-hand  clinched  (l>),  is  rubbed  on  the  left  forearm,  just  above 
the  wrist.     (Dakota  1. )     "From  its  use  in  washing  clothes." 

§on. 

Oi»en.  the  left  hand  and  strike  against  it  several  times  with  the  right 
(with  the  backs  of  the  fingers)  [which  also  means  Hard] ;  then  strike 
on  the  opposite  side  so  as  to  indicate  the  reunion,  (Wied.)  The  sup- 
posed yielding  substance  is  restored  by  the  second  stroke  to  its  former 
shape. 


^M 


243 

Take  some  soft  body  in  the  hand,  aud  touch  and  handle  it  lightly, 
alternately  with  each  hand,  held  as  though  molding  it  into  a  round  ball- 
{Dakota  I.)    "Handling  the  substance  gently,  so  as  not  to  injure  it." 

With  the  hands  three  or  four  inches  apart,  pointing  forward,  palms 
downward,  lingers  relaxed,  lower  thfiti  about  four  inches  slowly  and 
raise  them  rather  rapidly  several  tiiui'S.  {Dakota  IV.)  "Yields  and 
springs  back  ;  therefore  is  soft." 

With  the  tinger  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  api)roximated  to  a  point, 
pretend  to  pick  some  pulverulent  substance  from  the  palm  of  the  left, 
keep  working  the  tips  of  the  right  as  if  allowing  the  contents  to  fall 
slowly  back  agt, in  into  the  left.  {Kaiowal;  Comanche  111 ;  A2>ache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

Made  only  by  rubbing  folds  of  cloth  (flexibility),  or  imitating  the 
crumbling  of  bread.     {Apache  III.) 


heaf-mute  natural  sign. — Squeeze  softly  the  clinched  hand. 
ISoil.    Sec  Earth. 


{CroHS.) 


Soldier  (American). 

Pass  each  hand  down  the  outer  seam  of  the  pants.  («Sffc,  Fo.r,  and 
Kickapoo  l.)    "Stripes." 

Sign  for  HVIiite  Iflaii  and  then  for  Fort.  {Dakota  I.)  "  From 
his  fortified  place  of  abode." 

Extend  tJie  lingers  of  the  right  hand  ;  place  the  thumb  on  the  saiie 
plane  close  beside  them,  and  then  bring  the  thumb  side  of  the  hand 
horizontally  against  the  middle  of  the  forehead,  palm  downward  aud 
little  finger  to  the  front.     {Dakota  II.)    "  Visor  of  forage  cap." 

The  nearly  closed  hands,  thumbs  against  the  middle  of  the  forefingers, 
being  placed  with  tlieir  thumbs  near  together  in  front  of  the  body,  palms 
forward,  separate  them  about  two  feet.  {Dakota  IV.)  "All  in  a  line 
in  front." 

Another:  First  make  the  sign  for  soldier,  theu  that  for  White 
man.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Place  the  radial  sides  of  the  clinched  hands  together  before  the  chest, 
then  draw  them  horizontally  apart.     {Dakota  VI.)    "All  in  a  line." 

Place  the  flat  and  extended  right  baud,  palm  downward,  horizontallj' 
against  the  forehea'l.    ( Ute  I.)    "  Visor  of  the  cap." 

Ankara. 


■■)■'' 


'I.:''; 


11  ?!  ■ 


Make  the  sign  for  Arikara,  and  that  for  Brave.    {Arikara  I.) 


244 


^^^H 

fvi ;':- 

mm 

p 

H 

l. 

H 

|i 

mt 

i:| 

Wwm 

if''  '>i 

w 

;"' 

f:-'.'-. 


H  ;  t: 


I'n 


I-'-'' 


Dakota. 


Make  the  sign  for  Dakota,  and  that  for  iSoIdier.    {Dakota  VI.) 

Soldiers  coming^, 

Both  hands  extended,  fingers  spead,  phice  obliquely  upward  and  in 
front  of  the  breast,  right  above  left  a  short  distance ;  moved  alternately 
and  successively  from  right  to  left.  ( Ute  I.)  "  The  movement  of  bayo- 
nets in  a  charge." 

i^oilie.    (Part  of  a  number  of  persons  or  objects.) 

Extend  the  index,  hold  the  palm  down,  and  imitate  the  motion  of 
indicating  different  individuals  or  articles  from  left  to  right.  {Kaiowa 
I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;   Wichita  II.) 

Son.    Bee  Relationship. 

Soon.    See  Time,  Soon.     (Compare  I¥eai*.) 

Sorrow.     (Occasioned  by  filial  disrespect.) 

Right  hand  next  to  the  heart,  palm  in,  fingers  slightly  curved ;  then 
make  a  circular  movement  forward  and  outward  toward  front.    ( Omaha  I.) 

Sorry.    See  Sad. 

Soup. 
Sign  for  Kettle,  setting  on  the  fire,  and  then  that  for  Drinking;. 

{Dakota  I.) 

Sour. 

Simulate  tasting  anything  sour,  l.  e.,  act  of  tasting  and  expression  of 
face.    {Arapaho  I.) 

Tip  of  forefinger  touched  against  tl»e  tip  of  the  tongue ;  then  make 
the  sign  for  Hard.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

Eaise  the  right  hand  to  the  mouth,  as  though  having  the  substance 
to  be  tasted  in  it,  and  then  spit.    {Dakota  I.)    "  Not  liking  the  taste." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — ^lake  wry  mouths.     {Ballard.) 

Touch  the  tongue,  shaking  the  head,  with  a  look  expressive  of  dis- 
pleasure.   {Cross.) 

Close  the  eyes  a  little  and  shake  the  head.    {Larson.) 

Space;  extent. 

The  left  arm  and  hand  are  extended.  The  right  hand  is  then  brought 
(as  in  S  1  modified  by  being  horizontal)  to  left  and  drawn  across  left 
arm  edgewise  at  successive  points.  {Oto  I.)  "That  is  composed  of 
smaller  parts ;  many  added." 


lili 


■^m 


I , ;  ,1 


>..n 


245 

Speak ;  speech. 

Tlie  motion  is  like  sprinkling  water  from  the  mouth  by  springing  the 
forefinger  from  the  thnmb,  the  hand  following  a  short  distance  from  the 
month  at  each  resilience,  to  show  the  direction  of  the  word,  or  to  whom 
it  is  addressed  ;  this  motion  is  repeated  three  or  four  times.    (Long.) 

Place  the  flat  hand,  biujk  -tlownward,  before  the  month,  and  move  it 
forward  two  or  three  times.  ( Wied.)  My  description  is  the  same  as 
this,  but  more  precise.  I  believe  I  said  the  thumb  is  held  forward.  A 
knowledge  of  this  fact  would  be  essential  to  one  who  wished  to  imitate 
the  sign  correctly.  {Matthews)  There  is  sufficient  similarity  to  Wied's 
sign  in  the  i)osition  of  the  hand  and  forward  movement  to  justify  a  sup- 
position of  former  identity  between  that  and  [Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  The 
curved  position  of  the  fingers  in  the  latter  sign  is  not  invariable.  {Bote- 
Icr.) 

Extend  t!ie  open  hand  from  the  mouth.     (Burton.) 

Fingers  used  as  if  picking  something  from  the  mouth.     (Macyotran.) 

Point  the  extended  forefinger  as  from  the  mouth.    (Arapaho  I.) 

Forefingers  of  both  hands  crooked  inward,  as  in  making  tlu^  sign  for 
ITIorning';  moi^'on  backward  a.id  forward  from  mouth.    (Cheyenne  I.) 

The  gestures  by  which  "si.cakmg"  is  described  are  made  close  to  the 
mouth.  If  the  hand  is  passed  several  times  across  the  lips  it  means 
addressing  the  people.  Harangue.  If  the  fingers  of  both  hands  are 
crossed  before  the  mouth  like  a  pair  of  scissors,  it  means  a  Dialogue. 
{Ojibwa  I.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Slillg,  excepting  the  hand  is  carried  farther  out- 
ward from  the  mouth.  (Dakota  1.)  "  Cari'ying  the  words  out  of  the 
mouth." 

Place  the  right  hand  just  in  front  of  the  mouth,  palm  forward,  index 
half  flexed,  other  Angers  closed,  thumb  against  middle  finger;  move  the 
hand  at  the  wrist  forward  two  or  three  times  through  an  arc  of  about  < 
six  inches,  each  time  bringing  the  end  of  the  index  against  the  end  of 
the  thumb.  (Dakota  IV.)  "  Opening  and  closing  the  mouth,  and  the 
sounds  coming  forth." . 

Pass  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  forward  from  the  mouth. 
(Pai-Utel.) 

Place  the  knuckles  of  the  right  hand  against  the  lips,  and  make  the 
motion  of  flipping  water  from  the  index,  each  flip  casthig  the  hand  and 
arm  from  the  mouth  a  foot  or  so,  then  bringing  it  back  in  the  same  posi- 
tion.    (Wichita  I.) 


m 


•C^-H! 


^ili 


',   VlU-S  tifi  ' 


^k 


"U  i 


'■;':r.::\f  ■•:'■( 


\W: 


246 

Plauo  the  flat  right  liand,  palm  u]),  tui<fer8  poiutiii};  to  thu  loft,  a  Hhort 
di-stance  before  the  chin,  and  move  it  forward.  This  is  sometimes 
repeated  three  or  four  times.     {Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

The  right  hand,  not  very  rigidly  extended,  i)alm  upward,  thumb  for- 
ward, is  held  in  contact  with  the  lower  lip ;  it  is  then  moved  forward  a 
few  inches,  ami  restored  to  its  original  position.  These  motions  are 
repeated  once  or  oftener.    {.Uandan  and  Hidatna  I.) 

The  right  hand  is  brought  to  the  mouth,  palm  upward,  index-rtugor 
crooked,  the  others  somewhat  collected,  and  hand  slightly  cup-shaped. 
The  hand  and  arm  is  tlien  extended  from  the  mouth,  opening  and  clos- 
ing partly  by  successive  and  delicate  jerks  toward  the  person  or  object 
addressed.  The  }>osition  of  the  hand  is  not  invariable,  and  the  true 
origin  of  the  sign  seems  to  be  more  in  the  conception  of  something  coming 
at  intervals  from  the  mouth.  {Oto  and  Mmotiri  l.)  "  Opening  of  the 
mouth  and  that  which  issues  therefrom." 

Close  the  hand,  except  the  index-finger,  and,  tirst  touching  with  this 
the  mouth,  move  it  forward,  back  upward,  partly  closing  and  opening 
the  linger  with  a  rapid  motion.     (Jroquou  1.) 

The  right  hand  is  held  to  the  right  side  of  the  mouth,  lingers  pointing 
forward,  palm  down,  when  the  fingers  and  thumb  are  slowly  opened 
and  closed,  representing  the  opening  and  closing  of  the  lips  in  speak- 
ing.    ( V/t/andot  I.) 

Pass  the  right  hand,  palm  up,  forward  from  the  chin.  {Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Move  the  lips  as  if  to  speak.     {Zeigler.) 

Another  speaks. 


Place  the  hand  as  in  the  sign  for  Speak,  beginning  farther  from  the 
mouth,  drawing  it  nearer  and  nearer.  (  Wied.)  I  have  seen  this  sign. 
[Mattheics.) 

Conversation. 


Several  repetitions  of  the  sign  for  Speak.     (Arapalto  I.) 

Make  the  same  sigu  as  Tell,  but  with  both  h^nds,  and  toward  each 
other.    {Ridatsal;  AHkaral.) 

I  will  speak  to  you.    An  interview. 


liight  arm  tiexed  at  elbow,  and  hand  collected  as  in  type  (iH  1),  modi- 
tied  by  being  inverted  and  palm  turned  up.  The  arm  and  lingers  are 
then  suddenly  extended,  after  being  brought  to  the  position  of  the 
heart.    (Oto  I.)    "Approach;  I  will  open  myself  to  you." 


247 


Talking  (one  i)erson). 


Throw  tilt'  opened,  relaxed,  viglit  liaixl,  pointing  forward,  palm  up- 
wfird  and  inward,  six  or  eight  inches  toward  the  left,  several  times. 
{Ihikotn  IV.) 

Two  or  more  persons  conversing. 


IJoth  hands  being  opened,  relaxed,  and  pointing  forward  eigliteen 
inches  apart,  ])alnis  upward  andalittij  inward,  move  theiri  inward  until 
near  together  three  or  four  times;  or,  having  the  hands  near  together, 
move  them  from  side  to  side  several  times,  turning  the  ends  obIi(iuely, 
first  toward  the  right  and  then  toward  the  left,  moving  them  from  the 
wrists  ulone,  or  moving  forearms  also.     {Dakota  IV'.) 

Or  talk  in  coiuicil. 


Th»!  riglit  arm  is  raised,  tlexed  at  elbow,  and  the  hand  brought  to  the 
mouth  in  type-position  (CJ 1,  nu)ditied  by  being  inverted),  palm  up,  and 
the  iiid<!X-(inger  being  more  open.  The  liand  then  j)asses  from  the  ni(mth 
in  jerks,  opening  and  closing  successively;  then  the  right  hand  in  jtosi- 
tion  (H^),  h(»rizontal,  marks  oft'  divisions  cm  the  left  arm  extended. 
{Oto  and  MinHouri  1.)  "That  which  issues  f:'om  the  mouth  c<jutinuously 
or  in  parts." 


Tell  me. 


Place  the  Hat  right  hand,  palm  upward,  about  fifteen  inchcis  in  front 

of  the  right  side  of  the  face,  fingers  pointing  to  the  left  ami  fiont ;  then 

draw  the  hand  inward  toward  and  against  the  bottom  of  the  chin.     {Ab- 

mroka  I;  Hidaina  I;  Kaiowa  1;  Arikara  1;  Comanche  III;  Ajuu-hell; 

Wichita  I.) 

Pla«;e  riglit  iiaiid  (Y  1),  slightly  strained  at  the  wrist,  as  though  hold- 
ing something  on  it)  at  a  point,  say  a  foot  from  the  mouth,  and  move  it 
t^)ward  the  mouth  two  or  three  times.  All  the  motion  by  the  forearm, 
the  arm  to  the  elbow  lying  against  the  side.  {Sahaptin  I).  "  Pouring 
in  or  being  fed."' 


I  have  told  you. 


Move  the  opened  relaxed  right  hand  from  the  mouth  straight  forward 
about  a  foot,  fingers  pointing  toward  the  left,  i)alm  upward.  {Dakota 
IV.) 

Told  me,  a  person. 


Keverse  the  movement  of  the  ngiit  hand  as  given  in  the  sign  for 
Talk, ».  e.,  the  haiuls  drawn  inward  toward  the  face,  as  though  catch- 
ing the  words  as  uttered  by  another  person,  ami  carrying  it  to  your  own 
moutli.     {Dakota  I.) 


\m:i 


I'  1 


i-li^ 


if? 


i'A  • 


248 


P 


TZWHA 


'.'»■■ 


Deaf-mute  natural  nign. — A  rapid  motion  of  the  lips  an  if  in  the  net 
of  spoakinp,  and  move  the  linger  to  tiio  bosom  after  some  sign  for  the 
person  telling,     (liallard.) 

Hptar.    Bee  Lance. 

Spoon. 

Eight  hand  in  front  of  body  with  thumb  and  foretl'iger  bent  in  resem- 
blance to  the  Hhai)e  of  the  bowl  of  a  spoon  as  much  as  possible.  {Da- 
kota I.)    "Bowl  of  a  spoon." 

The  left  arm  is  elevated  and  semi-extended,  the  index-ttnger  and 
thumb  are  ai)proximated  at  ends,  as  in  position  (H),  (»ther  fingers  are 
closed.  The  right  hand  is  then  made  to  scoop  downward  and  inward, 
with  the  index  and  middle  fingers  approximated  and  curved,  palm 
inward.  The  ring  and  little  fingers  are  closed.  The  right  hand  then 
approaches  the  left  in  the  above  position,  which  is  now  taken  to  the 
mouth.  {Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  ''The  shape,  size,  and  use  of  the  instru- 
ment is  indicated." 

Spotted. 

With  the  extended  index  make  repeated  transverse  cuts  across  the 
extended  forefinger  of  the  left  hand.  (Absaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  and 
Bunak  I.) 

Hold  the  left  hand  with  its  palm  inward  and  fingers  pointing  forward, 
and  alternately  draw  the  palms  and  the  backs  of  the  right  fingers  across 
its  upi)er  edge  several  times  from  left  to  right.  Or  draw  them  across  the 
hand  and  arm  at  ditt'erent  places  as  if  wiping  off  the  fingers.     [Dakota 

IV.) 

Extend  the  left  forearm  horizontally,  pointing  forward,  then  pass  the 
left  palm  alternately  across  it  from  below  upward  (but  not  touchiug  it) 
on  the  inner  and  outer  sides.     {Hidatsa  I;  Arikara  I.) 

The  sign  for  the  animal  or  thing  is  made  first,  then  the  arms  are 
flexed,  hands  brought  together  in  front  of  bod}*,  opened  in  full,  flat, 
palm  of  one  on  back  of  other — a  cross  duplicate  of  position  (W). 
Flat  surfaces  then  pass  horizontally  over  each  other.  {Oto  I.)  "That 
which  has  been  rubbed  or  blurred." 

Spring  (season). 

The  sign  for  Cold',  to  which  add  the  sign  for  being  Done  or  Fin- 
i»the(l.     {Dunbar.) 

Signs  for  Day  (or  Dayiig^lit)  and  Crl*a!««i.  The  seasons  may  also 
be  distinguished  by  iiulicating  a  greater  or  less  meridional  altitude  of 
the  sun.    {Arajyaho  I.) 


wi 


■ 

Witli  tlic  ri(]^ht-liaii(l  Hnpers  and  tlimnb  curved  ui)ward  and  seimmtcd 
(P  with  knuckles  and  hack  downward)  bcfrinniiifj  with  the  hand  in  this 
position  as  low  down  on  tlic  rifjiit  side  as  you  can  reach  by  bendiufjthe 
body  a  little,  then  brin^  the  hand  up  a  few  inches,  keepinjr  tbijirers  up. 
{Cheyenne  II.)     "  Uepresenta  fjrass  gi-owins;." 

Make  the  sifjn  for  4iiraMM.  { Dakota  I;  Kainica  I;  Comanche  III; 
Apache  II;    Wichita  11.)     "  Kroni  tlie  season  the  grass  spriufjs  up.'' 

Make  the  si^ii  for  Hoi'Me,  (Kidillff  a  llOI'Me) ;  and  then  hohl  the 
left  hand,  palm  lookiii};  obli(|uely  downward  and  backward,  in  front  of 
the  abdomen,  and  pass  the  right  hand,  back  upward,  underneath  it  from 
beliind  forward;  or,  make  the  sign  for  OflM|>l*illj(,  (Dakota  IV.) 
"The  mares  have  colts." 

Make  the  signs  for  Rain,  CrraMM,  and  fiiood.     {Dakota  VI.) 

The  right  hand  is  gradually  drawn  toward  the  body,  then  approaches 
the  ground,  in  type-position  (<|  I),  fingers  more  collected  at  the  ends 
and  less  rigid.  From  the  ground  tho  hand  is  made  to  rise  slowly  and 
successively  in  representation  of  the  upward  tendency  of  vegetation. 
{Oto  and  MinHonri  I.)     "The  time  when  grain  and  grass  grow." 

l\Iake  the  sign  for  Rain,  then  with  the  curved  index  oidy  pointing 
npward,  hohl  the  back  t)f  the  right  hand  near  the  ground  and  elevate  it, 
gradually  and  in  an  interrupted  movement,  upward.  {Ute  I.)  "After 
the  rains  the  sjjrouts  appear." 

I§qiiai¥.    See  IVonian. 

HitarM.    (Compare  Moon.) 

The  right-hand,  forefinger  and  tliumb  crooked,  is  pointed  in  various 
directions  above  the  head  toward  the  heavens,  and  a  moderately  ipiick 
under-and-over  movement  of  the  linger  and  thumb,  ftnining  a  crescent, 
is  made.     (Dakota  I.)     "From  the  twinkling  of  the  stars." 


Make  the  sign  for  IVig'ilt,  and  then,  bringing  the  ends  of  the  right 
thumb  and  forefinger  together,  or  Hexing  the  forefinger  within  the 
thumb,  (juickly  move  the  upright  band  four  or  five  times  forward,  here 
and  there  above  the  head.  For  utar,  hold  the  hand  above  the  head,  its 
inner  edge  uppermost.     (Dakota  IV.) 

litay,  abide.    I  live  or  stay  iiere. 

From  a  foot  in  front  of  the  neck  move  the  right  hand,  its  back  forward 
and  index  extended,  several  times  through  a  curve  toward  the  right 
shoulder,  each  time  rotating  it  to  turn  the  palm  forward ;  then  throw  the 
fist  forward  in  front  of  the  lower  part  of  the  chest  and  move  it  a  foot  or 
eighteen  inches  up  and  down,  back  outward.  {Dakota  IV.) 
32 


I '    III 


i    t 


Pii:' 


250 


i !:  \ 


11 ; 


n 


lUi 


A\  : 


If 


M 


The  cliiiduMl  ttHt,  buck  t'orwani,  tlimiib  ui)\viml,  is  held  before  the 
chest,  then  depressed  a  lew  iiiehes  and  snddeidy  arrested.  If  you  wish 
to  tell  a  person  at  some  distance  to  stay  where  he  is,  stretch  the  arm 
ont  at  fnll  length  toward  him  in  making;  the  sijfn,  otherwise  the  hand  is 
held  near  the  body.     (Maiithni  and  Ilidatsti  I.) 

Clinch  tlie  rijfht  hand  as  if  holdinjr  a  stick,  and  make  a  motion  as  if 
trying'  to  strike  somethinfj  on  the  jii'onnd  with  the  bottom  of  the  stick, 
held  in  an  nprifjht  i)osition.     (  Wichitit  1.) 

tiitenU  To. 

The  left  forearm  is  held,  horizontally,  a  little  forward  across  the  body, 
and  the  ri;;ht  hand  passinj--  under  it  with  a  tpiick  motion  seems  to  {jnisp 
Homethiiifi'  and  is  suddenly  withdrawn.     (Loiuj.) 

Seize  an  imaginary  object  with  the  riyht  hand  from  under  the  left  fist. 
(Burton.)  This  implies  concealed  iiction  and  the  transportation  form- 
iuja;  i)art  of  the  legal  delinition  of  larceny.  Our  instructed  deaf  inute.« 
make  the  same  sign. 

Left  arm  and  hand  held  diagonally  to  the  body  on  level  with  elbow, 
right-hand  foretinger  hooked,  (piickly  drawn  under  left  hand  and  back 
to  tlie  side  (sometijues  all  the  lingers  are  hooked  as  though  grabbing 
sonu'tliing  or  tearing  it  away).     {Chvyenne  I.) 

Left  hand  held  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  breast,  horizontal,  back 
outward,  lingers  extended  and  pointing  toward  the  right;  then  the  right 
hand,  witli  the  tingers  extended,  hooked,  tips  outward,  hand  horizontal, 
is  passed  outward  under  the  left  hand,  and  (juicikly  drawn  backvaul 
again  behind  the  left  hand,  as  though  seizing  and  subsecjuent'  con- 
cealing the  article.     {Dalcota  L)     "Htealing  and  concealment." 

The  left  arm  is  partly  extended  and  held  horizontally  so  that  the  left 
hand  will  be,  palm  dovMiward,  a  foot  or  so  in  front  of  the  chest.  Then, 
vith  the  right  hand  in  front,  a  motion  is  made  as  if  something  were 
grasjjcd  deftly  in  the  fingers  and  carried  rapidly  along  under  the  left 
arm  to  the  axilla.     [Mandan  and  Ilidatm  L) 

No  special  sign  for  this  uidess  the  i)ortrayal  of  a  Te\an  (see 
Tribat^  Si(rNS)  be  accejUed  as  the  Mescalero  type  for  a  thief,  as  these 
poor  wretv^hes  are  said  to  have  been  dreadfully  harassed  and  plundered 
by  Texans  (tay-ha-nas)  for  many  years.  I'atrieio  gave  several  narra- 
tives; in  one  the  Texans  came  and  drove  o;^his  horses;  in  another  the 
Texans  entered  a  house  and  took  (shown  by  a  (piick  grabbing)  property. 
{Apache  III.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  signs. — Look  aiound,  put  forward  the  hand,  and 
close  it  as  if  to  take  something,  and  move  it  to  the  side.    (Ballard.) 


251 

H(Mi(l  forward  your  body  and  hriiif;  llio  hand,  (>liiicli«>d,  in  the  nutnnm' 
of  taking;  Moinutliin^  nnder  your  arm,  at  tlio  sanic  time  looking;  anmnd 
an  if  to  .see  that  no  one  has  seen  your  deed.     ((Vo««.) 

Take  anything'  sixtken  of  and  put  the  hand  in  the  pueket,  and  turu 
and  run  away.    (LarMon.) 

Use  the  haiul  as  if  to  take  something;,  at  the  same  time  look  around 
as  if  to  see  if  somebody  comes.     (Zeujler.) 

Italian  «»V/h. — The  open  Inmd  liehl  before  the  face,  and  the  finders,  be- 
i;:inning  with  tiie  little  one,  turned  round  in  a  wheel,  sij;iiilies  a  r(iiil)ery. 
(liiifln:) 

A  horse. 

Toex|)ress  horse  stealinj;  they  saw  with  the  rijiht  hand  (h>wn  upon  the 
extended  (inf;ers  of  the  left,  thereby  denoting  rope-cuttiu}:;.     (liurUm.) 

Left  hand  horizontal,  Hat,  in  front  and  as  hij^h  as  the  elbow.  Ki<;ht 
hand  arched.  Joined,  thumb  restin<jf  near  end  of  forefinger,  downward 
(similar  to  V),  and  ])assed  slowly  under  the  left,  backward  toward  the 
elbow  and  quickly  across  to  its  own  side,  to  show  crawling  up  to  a 
horse,  cutting  its  lariat  and  making  off  quickly.     (Dakotu  III.) 

ISteaiiiboat. 

Tlie  sign  for  Niiiokc  is  made  with  the  right  hand  extended  ujiward 
at  the  side  and  above  tiie  head,  and  then  with  the  mouth  make  the 
putHng  sounjl  in  imitation  of  tiie  sound  from  the  escape-pipes.  (Dako- 
ta I.)  "  From  the  puffing  sound  of  the  escapei)ipes,  which  can  be  iieard 
a  considerable  distance  on  a  still  day,  and  the  smoke  from  the  smoke- 
stack." 

Make  the  sign  for  Wafer,  by  placing  the  Hat  right  hand  before  the 
face,  i)ointing  upward  and  forward,  the  back  forward,  with  tiie  wrist  as 
high  as  the  nose;  then  draw  it  down  and  inward  toward  the  «hiu ;  then 
with  both  hands  indicate  the  outlines  of  a  horizontal  oval  Hgiire  from 
before  the  body  back  to  near  tht^  chest  (being  the  outline  of  the  deck) ; 
then  i)la(;e  both  Hat  hands,  pointing  forward,  thumbs  higher  than  the 
outer  edges,  and  push  them  forward  to  arm's  length  (illustrating  the  for- 
ward motion  of  the  vessel).  (Kniowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Aimclic  II; 
^Vich^ta  II.) 

Siifiiig^y,  Covetous,  €owai'<lly,  &c. 

First  lay  the  palm  of  the  right  hand,  horizontal,  over  the  left  breast ; 
then  make  the  sign  for  Allg'er,  by  carrying  the  rtst  (O  2)  downward, 
in  front  of  the  body,  from  the  face  toward  the  left  to  the  level  of  the 
heart,  but  not  with  any  emphasis;  and  then  the  sign  for  CrOOd  is  made 
by  opening  the  hand,  turning  it  palm  downward  (S  1),  and  carrying 


252 


BliTXF*^ 


11    ;■     i 


out  from  the  breast  for  a  foot  or  more,  ami  then  turning  the  hand, 
thumb  downward,  back  toward  the  left,  and  carrying  it  out  to  the  right 
side  of  the  body  on  the  same  level,  which  is  the  sign  for  No  or  ]^#t. 

{Dakota  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Brav^;,  CreneroiiM,  at  the  end  of  which  sign 
tl  e  right  hand  is  opened  as  i:i  (T  1),  modified  by  back  of  liaiid  being 
more  concave  and  swept  semicircuhirly  outward  and  downward  from 
the  right  side  of  head.    (Oio  I.)    "  No  good  wi'l,  generosity,  or  courage." 

Bring  the  left  band  against  the  shonhler,  with  tlie  elbow  slightly  be- 
fori'  the  hip,  then  tap  the  elbow  with  the  knuckles  of  the  right  hand 
from  below  upward.     (Apache  I.) 

Curve  the  fingers  of  the  left  hand  so  that  their  tijjs  rest  against  the 
inner  edge  of  the  thumb,  which  should  be  about  an  inch  from  the  palm  ; 
then  bring  the  hand  slowly  to  the  ])it  of  the  stontach,  back  to  the  front. 
( etc  I.) 

Stii'iMip. 

3Iake  first  the  s!gn  for  Hoi'Ne  and  next  the  i.ign  for  Saddle ;  then 
catch  the  right  hand,  with  its  index  hooked  as  in  position  (I),  index 
more  opened,  by  the  left  in  similar  i)osition.  Then  raise  the  foot  (either) 
and  catch  its  sole  by  the  hooked  index  of  the  left  hand.  Holding  the 
leg  thus,  as  half-mounted,  throw  the  left  arm  into  the  air  as  the  leg  over 
a  horse.  (Oto  and  Miasoitri  I.)  "Something  hooked  to  catch  the  foot 
when  mounting  a  saddifd  horse." 

« 
Sktoiie. 

The  right  hand  shut,  give  several  small  blows  on  the  left.    ( Dunbar.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  and  strike  the  palm  of  the  left  hand  two  or 
three  times  witli  it.     (Lon(/.) 

If  light,  act  as  if  picking  it  up ;  if  heavy,  as  if  drojjping  it.     (linrton.) 

Fingtis  of  right  hand  closed,  tluimb  lying  along  the  tips,  struck  once 
or  twice  into  the  palm  of  the  left  hand.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

^Vith  the  back  of  the  arched  right  hand  (H)  strike  repeatedly  in  the 
palm  of  the  left,  hehl  horizontal,  ba^  c  outward,  at  the  height  of  the 
broast  and  about  u  foot  in  front ;  the  ends  of  the  fingers  point  in  oppo- 
site uirectic'i..-*.  {Dakota  I.)  From  its  use  when  the  stone  \,as  tne  cnly 
hammer. 

The  right  hand  points  to  the  earth  with  the  extended  index;  then 
both  hands,  fingers  divergent  (as  in  P  1),  iwve''ted,  approxiimite  at  the 
points  of  index-finger  and  thumb,  then  diverge  until  in  descending  the 
]»oints  of  ring  and  little  fingers  touch  the  ground.      The  fingers  then 


'    1 
.■•f;l 


253 

approach  each  other  at  their  points  uniformly  and  (liver<;e  three  times. 
{Oto  and  Mmouri  I.)  "  Something,  tliat  would  till  the  hand,  which  lies 
scattered  on  the  earth." 

Denfmuie  natural  si<fn. — Imitate  the  action  of  picking  up  and  throw- 
ing a  stone,  and  sometimes  with  indications  of  the  size  and  form  of 
the  object  by  means  of  the  leil  fist.     (Ballard.) 

Store. 

First  make  the  sign  for  l¥hite  mail,  then  for  Tipi,  and  finally 
for  Tradiii;?.  (Dakota  I.)  "  White  man's  house  where  we  swap 
goods." 

Make  the  sign  for  'White  lliailN  lioil»ie,  and  To  buy.  (Kaiowa 
I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;   Wichita  11.) 

Stove. 

I'Mrst  point  to  a  piece  of  iron,  and  then  with  the  hands  in  front  of  the 
body  make  the  shape  of  a  box-stove,  and  complete  by  the  sign  for  Fire. 
(Dakota  I.)     "  Iron  of  the  stove  and  tire." 

Study,  To;  to  deliberate. 

The  arm  is  tloxed  and  the  hand  assumes  type-position  (O  1)  modified 
by  the  fingers  being  more  curved,  ('U])-shaped.  The  arm  is  then  elevated 
and  the  hard  twisted  spirally  from  left  to  right  njtward  before  the  cen- 
ter of  the  forehead.     [Oto  and  }fissoKri  I.)     "  To  revolve  in  mind."' 

Stiiiiihie.  To. 

Hold  tiie  left  hand  fiat,  edgewise,  extended  before  the  breast,  back  to 
the  front,  fingers  pointing  to  the  right;  then  move  the  fiat  right  iiand, 
palm  toward  the  body  and  fingers  jxiinting  downward,  forward  toward 
the  left,  and  as  tiie  1  tacks  ol  fingers  of  the  right  strike  tlie  palm  of  the 
left  drop  the  right  iiaud  over  to  the  front  and  downward  a  short  dis- 
tance. (Kaioira  I;  Vonutnche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  11.)  "To  strike 
an  object,  ami  to  trip  or  stundtle." 

Storm,  TempeMt.  or  Hurrieaiie. 

The  three  signs  for  Wind,  Hi;;',  and  Fear,  in  that  order.  (Dun- 
bar.) 

Make  the  Rain  sign,  then,  if  thunder  and  lightning  are  to  be  ex- 
pressed, move,  as  if  in  anger,  the  body  to  and  fro,  to  show  the  wrath  of 
the  elements.     (Burton.) 

Sign  for  CioildM  is  ahso  used  for  storm.  (Dakota  I.)  ''Gathering  ot 
the  clouds  befori'  a  storm." 


254 


Deaf-mute  natural  sUjn. — Rain  indicated  by  a  repeated  downward 
motion  of  the  extended  lingers.  Wind^  by  a  sidewise  sweeping  motion 
of  the  hands  and  blowing  tlirough  the  lips.     [Ballard.) 

Strongs,  Streni^tli. 

The  hands  are  clinched ;  tlie  left  forearm  is  held  almost  perpendicularly 
near  the  breast,  so  that  the  list  is  nearly  opposite  to  the  throat;  the 
right  arm  is  then  carried  up  between  the  left  and  the  breast,  and  con- 
tinued on  over  the  left  list  to  the  ou<^side  of  the  latter ;  the  right  arm  is 
then  brought  down  so  as  to  have  the  same  direction  with  the  other,  and 
the  lists  rest  opposite  to  each  other  in  a  line  from  the  breast.  This 
motion  resembles  the  act  of  wringing  a  thick  towel.  If  he  would  say 
"lam  strong," lie  strikes  himself  upon  the  breast  two  or  three  times 
with  his  list  previously  to  the  motion  above  described.  If  he  would 
gay  "you  are  strong,"  he  previously  points  to  you,  etc.     {Long.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  Hign. — Imitate  the  action  of  a  person  exerting  mus- 
cular force.     {Ballard.) 

Applied  to  man  or  animal. 


Both  arms  raiscl  on  their  respective  sides  to  level  with  the  shoulders, 
back  of  hands  upward,  lists  (A.)  are  (juickly  thrown  downward  to  the 
level  of  the  stomach  on  their  respective  sides,  and  brought  to  a  sudden 
stop  with  a  rebouiuling  motion.  The  muscle  of  the  arms,  chest,  and 
back  are  all  brought  into  action  in  making  this  sign.  (Dakota  1.)  "Ex. 
hibiting  muscular  power." 

As  a  cord,  rope,  etc. 


With  both  hands  in  front  of  the  Itreast,  lists  (B),  hands  separated  a 
few  inches,  make  movements  as  tlu)ugh  pulling  on  a  cord  or  rope  that 
would  not  yield.  In  addition  to  the  muscles  of  the  arms,  etc.,  those  of 
the  face  are  brought  more  into  action  than  in  the  above  sign.  (Dakota 
I.)     "Cannot  break  it.     It  is  strong." 

^iibiiiiMNioii, 

With  both  haiuls  in  front  of  face,  open  ( W,  palms  oljlicpie,  downward, 
with  the  little-linger  edge  of  the  hands  lowest),  the  lingers  close  to 
and  pointing  togethei',  the  head  is  slightly  inclined  forwanl  and  eyes 
cast  down,  hands  are  moved  oblifpiely  inward  and  downward  till  they 
come  close  to  or  reach  the  breast.  Generally  repeated  two  or  three  times 
(Via yen ne  II.) 

The  right  hand,  with  lingers  extended  (S),  is  carried  to  the  right  and 
to  the  left  in  front  of  the  liody  and  back  to  in  front  of  the  right  shoulder, 
where  all  the  lingers  are  closed  excepting  the  index,  wliidi  points  up- 
right, back  of  hand  outwaril,  and  then  the  hand  is  thrown  slowly  for- 
ward in  front  of  the  body  so  that  it  is  horizontal,  back  downward,  index- 


255 

fiiijjter  iiointing  obliquely  forward  and  dowmvard.  (Dakota  I.)  "The 
first  part  of  this  si}>'n  means  everything  is  clear;  nothing  of  this  matter 
to  come  up  hereafter;  and  the  latter  i)art,  '  I  accept,  I  yield,  submit.'" 

Siiig'ar.    (Compare  Sweet.) 

The  right  arm  is  bent  at  a  right  angle,  and  the  hand,  in  type-position, 
(K  1,  modified  by  the  palm  facing  the  mouth),  is  made  to  slowly  and 
gently  touch  the  tongue  with  the  palm  point  of  the  index-finger.  The 
hand  is  then  dropped  and  approaches  the  tongue  a  second  time  in  a  semi- 
circle, the  countenance  and  mouth  indicating  pleasure.  [Oto  and  Mis- 
souri I.)    "  Something  that  can  be  tasted  twice  with  pleasure." 

The  right  hand,  back  outward,  fingers  as  in  (U),  but  turned  down- 
ward, is  carried  from  in  front  of  the  body  u])ward  to  the  lips,  and  a 
sound  made  by  sucking  in  air.     {Dakota  I.)     '  It  is  sweet;  I  like  it." 

Siiiiiiiiei*. 

Hoth  hands,  fingers  and  thumbs  sepai'ated  (Q,  fingers  downward),  are 
moved  outwanl  to  front  and  upward  as  far  as  arms  will  reach.  The 
hands  need  not  be  in  shape  till  they  are  out  at  arm's  length.  The  sign 
is  stationary.  [Chei/cune  U.)  "Supposed  to  represent  rays  and  heat 
of  sun  striking  down." 

3Iake  the  sign  for  Cii*a9>i!«  in  front  of  the  body,  carrying  the  hand 
upward  two  or  three  feet  from  the  grouiul,  indicating  that  the  grass  is 
long;  and  then  the  left  hand,  representing  a  Tree,  is  held  in  front 
of  tiie  breast,  and  with  the  right  hand  make  movements  as  though  pick, 
ing  something  from  it  and  i»iifting  in  the  moiitli.  (Dakota  I.)  "The 
time  when  the  grass  is  long  and  the  cherries  are  ripe;  hence,  summer." 

Make  the  sign  for  (liraMW  jJ'k'OWillK',  '•  <?.,  move  the  right  hand  from 
the  ground  ui)ward  three  or  four  inches  at  a  time.  (Dakota  IV.)  "The 
grass  getting  higher  and  higher." 

Point  to  the  sky,  then  pass  the  palms,  turned  upward,  to  the  right  and 
left,  horizontally,  before  the  breast.     (Dakota  VI.) 

The  countenance  assumes  an  oppressive  mien;  the  right  arm  is  ele- 
vated and  the  index  (inger  in  type-position  (J),  points  to  the  sun  in  the 
zenith;  both  hands  then  navo  above  the  head,  in  type-position  (P  1) 
modified  by  being  inverted ;  tiie  hands,  thus  resemoling  the  direct  rays 
of  the  sun,  ai)proach  the  head.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "The  time  when 
the  rays  of  the  sun  descend  direct  and  oi)pres8  us." 

Same  sign  as  for  Hot.  •  (Kaion-al',  Comanche  III;  Apache  11]  Wichita 
II.) 

Made  in  the  same  manner  as  that  for  Warm.    (Apache  I.) 


m 


256 

Sun.    (Compare  Day.) 

The  thninb  and  Huger,  forming  a  circle,  elevated  in  front  toward  the 
face.     {Dunbar.) 

The  forefinger  and  thumb  are  brought  together  at  tips  so  as  to  form 
a  circle,  and  held  up  toward  the  sun's  track.    (Long.) 

Form  a  small  circle  with  the  forefingers  and  hold  them  toward  heaven. 
( Wied.)  I  have  given  you  this  sign.  {Mattlieicn)  There  is  no  visible 
identity  in  the  execution  of  the  {(Jto  1)  sign  and  U7tvr/*,  although  a 
seeming  similarity  in  conception  exists;  the  similarity  in  the  signs  for 
day  explains  the  jtractlce  of  speaking  of  a  day  an  after  one  or  more  nuns. 
{liotclcr.) 

Join  the  tips  of  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  same  hand,  the  inte- 
rior outline  approximating  a  circle,  and  indicate  thus  the  projection  of 
its  disk  against  the  sky.     {Araiiaho  I.) 

Right-liand  finger  crooked,  elevated,  and  held  toward  the  east. 
(Cheiiennc  I.)  The  crook  is  an  abbreviation  of  the  circle  representing 
the  orb. 

llight  hand  closed,  the  index  and  thumb  curved,  with  tips  touching, 
thus  approximating  a  circle,  and  held  toward  the  sky.  (Absaroka  I; 
Shofihoui  <ind  Banal;  I ;   Vic  I ;    Wyandot  I.) 

lliglit  hand  extended  at  side  of  body  on  a  level  witli  the  head ;  with 
the  forefinger  and  thumb  describe  a  crescent,  other  fingers  closed.  { Da- 
lota  I.) 

i\rake  the  sign  for  Day,  and  then  Hex  the  right  index  and  thumb 
until  their  ends  are  about  four  inches  apart ;  or,  as  some  do,  untd  they 
are  an  inch  ami  a  half  a|)art;  (U.  as  most  do,  bring  the  ends  togetiier; 
nearly  close  tiie  other  fingers  and  raise  the  hand  in  front  of  the  fore- 
head. The  ulnar  (inner)  edge  of  the  hand  is  usually  turned  toward 
the  part  of  the  sky  wlune  the  sun  is  suiJi)osed  to  l»e :  for  sunrise,  toward 
the  east ;  for  noon,  toward  the  zenith ;  for  sunset,  toward  the  west.  ( Da- 
kota IV.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  curve  the  index-finger  in  the  form  of  a  half- 
circle,  and  in  this  position  hold  the  hand  upward  toward  the  sun's  track. 
{Dakota  V.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  forming  a  circle  with  the  thumb  and  index, 
then  hold  the  iiand  toward  the  sky.     (Dakota  VII.) 

The  partly  bent  index  and  thumb  of  the  jight  hand  are  brought 
together  at  their  tips,  so  as  to  represent  a  circle;  and  with  tiu'se  digits 
next  to  the  face  the  hand  is  held  up  toWki'-J  the  sky,  from  one  to  two 
feet  from  the  eye  and  in  such  a  manner  that  the  glance  may  be  directed 
through  the  opening.     {Mandan  and  Ilidatsa  I.) 


,,^;,w, 


257 

The  right  arm  is  elevated,  then  extended  to  the  left  on  a  level  with 
the  left  deltoid  ju-ominence.  The  hand  is  in  type  i)osition  (1 1)  niodirted 
by  being  Ihuizontal.  The  Inind  and  arm  thns  pointing  to  the  Orient, 
describes  next  the  arc  of  the  vanlt  of  the  lieavens  and  slowly  sinks, 
wavering,  extended  from  shonlder,  i»ointing  to  the  west.  Tiie  sign  for 
Light  is  next  execnted.  (Oto  nitd  Missouri  I.)  "That  which  passes 
throngh  the  heaven's  vanlt,  shedding  light." 

Raise  the  right  liaiid  above  tlie  head,  holding  the  open  palm  toward 
the  sky  (snn  in  prayer).    {Ponht  I.)    "  Wakanda — Praying  to  the  snn." 

Join  the  tips  of  the  index  and  thnmb  so  as  to  form  a  circle,  close  the 
remaining  fingers  and  hold  the  hand  toward  the  sky,  with  the  outer 
edge  forward.     (Kaioiral;  Conuowhe  III ;  Apache  11;   iriW((7«  II.) 

Form  a  circle  with  the  index  and  tlinmb,  tips  touching,  the  remaining 
fingers  closed,  and  hold  them  toward  the  sky.     (Apache  1.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  si(jn. — Point  toward  the  sky,  make  a  circle  with  the 
forefinger,  and  wink  as  if  dazzled  by  the  snn's  rays.     (Ballard.) 

Eclipse  of. 

First  make  the  sign  for  the  ^iiiii,  and  then  the  sign  for  Dead, 
Death.     (DaJ-T,ta  1.)     "  Tlie  sun  is  dead." 

liiiii-do;;;!!!.    (Compare  Aurora  BorealiM.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  the  Sun,  directly  in  front  of  the  body  with 
the  right  hand,  and  tiien  the  sign  for  Fire,  on  the  same  level  and  at 
both  sides  of  it  at  the  same  time.  [Dal-nfa  I.)  ''  Fire  built  to  heat  the 
winter  sun. 

Sunrime. 

Make  the  sign  for  Day,  at  the  same  time  indicating  position  of  the 
sun,  just  above  the  horizon,  as  in  sign  for  §»iiil.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  the  ^iin,  but  point  the  crescent  in  the  direction  of 
the  rising  sun  in  the  horizon,  and  then  carry  it  sligiitly  upward.  (Da- 
kota I.)     "The  coming  up  of  the  sun." 

Make  the  sign  for  iVloriiiii;?,  and  then  the  sign  for  ^liiiii,  hoUling 
the  inner  edge  of  the  hand  toward  the  cast  and  raising  it  a  little. 
(Dakota  IV.)     "  rneovering  the  sun." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sitjn. — The  same  sign  as  Mini,  with  the  addition  of 
pointing  to  the  eastern  horizon.     (Ballard.) 

MiiiiNet. 

Make  the  sign  for  IVight,  at  the  same  time  indicating  position  of  the 
snn,  just  below  liorizoti,  as  in  sign  for  5>iiiii.     (Arapaho  I.) 
33 


m* 


mi 


"  i 

m 


■  li 


258 


a-;.^, 


uu 


Riglit-liaud  foretinger  crooked,  as  in  sigu  for  morning^,  lowered 
toward  the  western  horizon.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Point  tlie  crescent  sign  for  ^iin,  in  the  direction  of  the  setting  snn 
in  the  horizon  and  below  it.  (Dakota  I.)  "Sun  has  disappeared  from 
view." 

Make  the  sign  for  Null,  holding  the  inner  edge  of  the  hand  toward 
the  west  and  lowering  it  a  little,  then  make  the  sign  for  ]¥igiit.  (/>«- 
l-ota  IV.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  nign. — The  same  sign  as  for  the  !§iin,  and  pointing 
to  the  western  horizon.     (BaUanl.) 

§ii|»ei*ioi*.    See  Ahead. 

$iii|>l»lication. 

Italian  sign. — Falling  upon  the  knees  and  clasping  the  hands  or  laying 
the  palms  together  shows  the  supplication  of  a  beggar.    (Butler.) 

Niii'priwe.    (Compare  Adiiii ration  and  l»Voiider.) 

Throw  the  head  and  body  backward  with  a  quick  motion  and  express 
surprise  by  facial  emotions  a. id  the  eyes.  See  connection  with  Uorror 
under  that  word.    Wander  is  •••eluded  in  the  sign  tor  Surprise.   ( Dalcota  I.) 

The  right  hand,  palm  inward,  with  the  fingers  slightly  bent,  is  placed 
over  the  mouth  in  such  a  way  as  to  leave  the  lii)s  free  to  articulate. 
The  index  rests  on  the  upper  lij),  but  tlie  palm  does  not  touch  the 
mouth.  The  thumb  commonly  rests  against  the  right  side  of  the  nose, 
and  one  or  more  (inger-tips  on  tlie  face  to  the  left  of  the  mouth.  While 
the  hand  is  thus  held,  low  groans,  exclamations,  or  expressions  of  sur- 
prise are  uttered.    (Mandan  and  Hidatm  I.) 

Clinch  the  fists  and  shrink  away.  Fists  must  be  near  waist  and  not 
at  chin,  as  in  Fear.     (Apache  III.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — Part  the  lips,  arch  the  eyebrows,  and  raise 
the  hand.    (Ballard.) 

Surrender.    See  Quiet. 

§iirroiiiid. 

At  the  height  of  the  bi-east,  backs  of  hands  obliquely  upward,  thumb 
and  forefinger  of  each  extended,  curved,  and  brought  nearly  together ; 
other  fingers  of  both  hands  closed.  (Dakota  I.)  ''Closing  in  on  or  sur- 
rounding anything." 

Surrounded. 

Form  a  circle  about  eight  inches  in  diameter  by  extending  and  sepa- 


1 

I'  •'. 


259 

rating  both  thumbs  and  foi-eflngers,  and  hoUling  the  hainls  opi)osite 
eacli  otlier  with  pabns  inward ;  then  move  the  hands  about  six  inches 
from  side  to  side.     (Dakota  IV-.) 

Surrounding'  tlie  bison. 


Tlie  si}i:n  tor  BImoii  is  tirst  made;  the  hand,  with  the  foretinjjers  and 
thumbs  in  a  semicircle,  are  then  brought  two  or  three  times  together. 
{Loiuj.) 

First  make  thet^ign  for  Bi!«on  and  then  the  sign  for  §iii*roil lift- 
ing:.    (.Dakota  I.) 

§iiM|»icioii. 

Italian  mjn. — Draw  down  one  lower  eyelid,  which  is  as  much  as  to 
say,  "  Let  me  oi)en  my  eyes  a  little  wider."  A  man  convinced  that  others 
wish  to  impose  upon  him,  and  wishing  to  let  them  know  that  he  is  not 
imposed  upon,  i)oints  a  finger  at  his  eye  as  if  to  say,  "  My  eye  is  wide 
open  and  sees  what  you  are  about."    (Butler.) 

Swallow,  To.    iliwallowiniir. 

Slightly  Hex  the  lingers  of  the  right  hand  and  i)lace  the  thumb 
against  the  side  of  the  index,  the  hand  directed  forward,  palm  upward, 
in  front  of  the  right  breast,  and,  while  turning  the  hand  over,  move  it 
first  upward,  then  backward  through  a  curve  to  the  mouth,  and  then 
downward  to  the  top  of  the  breastbone.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Sweet.    (Compare  Siig^ai*  and  Sour.) 

Tip  of  forefinger  touched  against  the  tip  of  tongue;  sign  for  Ciiood. 
(Cheyriine  I.) 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Sour,  omitting  the  spitting,  anil  smacking  the 
lips  instead.     (Dakota  I.)     "Good;  I  like  it." 

Deaf-mute  natural  slf/n. — Any  agreeable  taste  would  be  indicated  by 
snuicking  the  lips.     (Ballanh) 

Swin,  fMniflneMM. 

The  two  imlox-fingers  are  held  parallel  together  and  pointing  forward; 
the  right  one  is  then  passed  rapidly  forward.     (Long.) 

Left  hand  held  horizontal,  with  palm  downward,  fingers  extended, 
joined,  pointing  outward  (W),  about  12  inches  in  front  of  breast;  pass 
the  right  haiul,  carried  outward  from  the  rij^l.t  breast,  by  the  stationary 
left,  with  a  rapid  motion.     (Dakota  L)    >'The  swift  passing  the  slow." 

Deaf-mute  natural  xign. — A  slight  moving«of  the  body  from  side  to 
side  in  rapid  succession,  and  a  slight  moven>ent  of  the  feet  on  the  floor. 
(^Ballard) 


lb 


W( 


ill 


5  a,l;., 


,1.  •■ : 

'if.!,*' 

Cm 


260 

Italian  sit/n. — The  (K)lloqiiial  pbrase,  "  liaiul  over  liaiul,"  exactly  tie- 
sciibes  the  Italian  motion  to  exjtre.ss  the  same  idea,  nanielj-,  to  do  any- 
tliinj;  rapidly.     (Hutler.) 

Hnvim,  Mwiiiiiiiiii^. 

The  tore fi lifter  of  the  right  hand  extended  outward  and  moved  to 
and  fro.     {Dunba)'.) 

Ilands  brought  together  in  front  of  the  body  about  a  foot  (W),  with 
fingers  i)ointing  outward;  make  a  series  of  sidewise  lyovements  of  the 
hands  toward  the  right  and  left,  on  a  curve,  in  imitation  of  the  move- 
ments of  the  hands  and  arms  in  swimming.  {Dakota  I.)  " From  the 
act  of  swimming." 

f>il»'OI'll. 

^lake  the  motion  of  drawing  it.     (Burton.) 

Ivight  hand  Hattened,  lingers  pointing  upward,  little  finger  Iront; 
motion  made  forward  to  imitate  cutting.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

iliyitliiliM. 

The  left  hand  is  closed,  allowing  the  forefinger  to  be  extended  and 
pointing  forward  before  the  body;  then,  with  the  thumb  and  index  of 
the  right,  pretend  to  pick  off  small  particles  of  imaginary  foreign  bodies 
from  various  sides  of  the  forefinger.  (Absaroka  I;  Shoshoni  and  Banak 
I.)    "  From  the  idcerating  or  'eating'  nature  of  the  disease." 

Talk.    See  §pf>iik. 

Taste.    (Comi)are  Sweet  and  Sour.) 

Touch  the  tongue-tip.     (linrton.) 

Kighthand  fore  and  middle  fingers,  jwinted  upward,  touched  to  tip 
of  tongue.    (Cheyenne  I.) 

Simi>ly  touch  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  to  the  tongue.  (Dakota 
I.)     "  From  the  act  of  tasting." 

Put  one  forefinger  in  the  other  palm,  then  to  tongue.     (Apache  III.) 

Telegrapli. 

Left  index  extended  and  held  in  front  of  the  body,  horizontal  and 
pointing  toward  the  right,  back  outward,  is  struck  sumrtly  crosswise 
several  times  by  the  right  index,  edge  of  hand  downward,  and  then  the 
sign  for  Talking: or  Speaking'  is  made  to  complete  it.  (Dakota  I.) 
"The  first  part  of  this  sign^lenotes  the  striking  of  the  key." 

Tell.    See  Speak 


261 

Texan.    (Comiiaic  ^teal.) 

IMiico  widely  extended  thniiib.s  iiiid  tbrertii;^ers  as  if  iiielosiii;,'  a  very 
lar>;e  hat  brim,  out  by  side-s  of  head.  {Apaclie  III.)  ".Such  beiuy 
esteemed  by  Texan.s." 

ThankM.    (Compare  Ciilad.) 

Thank  yon,  or,  more  .strictly,  Invokinj?  a  lilVMMin;;. 

The  rif^ht  liaiid  uitrif^ht,  opened  and  rehixed,  finders  separated  a  lit- 
tU',  pahii  forward,  is  phiced  near  the  person's  f(>rehea<l  and  then  nu)ved 
downward  in  front  of  the  face  to  the  sternnin,  the  hand  beiny  at  the 
same  time  bent  at  t!ie  wrist  until  it  becomes  iiorixontal.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"  I{<»th  hands  are  fre(iuently  drawn  downward  in  front  of  the  face." 

Then.    SeeMteal. 

There,  I  have  been. 

Hold  the  open  left  hand,  its  p.ilm  obliquely  backward  ami  upward,  a 
foot  in  front  of  the  chest;  then,  the  riglit  hand  bein<j  closed  exce])ting 
the  index,  which  is  to  be  extended  upward,  strike  its  jtalm  and  lingers 
against  tlu^  palm  of  the  left  and  hold  the  two  hands  still  for  a  few  sec- 
onds,    {Dakota  IV.) 

Thiek. 

First  make  the  sign  for  Thin,  and  then  the  sign  for  .Uo,  or  .\ot, 
anrl  then  tlu;  two  hands,  with  lingers  extended  and  joined,  are  held 
horizontal,  six  or  seven  inches  apart,  in  front  of  the  breast,  with  their 
palmar  surfa<!es  toward  one  another.    (Dakota  I.)     "Not  thin." 

Thin.    See  Poor. 

Tliink;  liiueMM.    (Compare  Ntudy.) 

I'ass  the  forefinger  sharply  across  the  breast  from  riglit  to  left. 
{liiirton.) 

(1)  Right-hand  fingers  and  thumb  loosely  closed,  forefinger  crooked, 
slightly  extended  ;  (li)  dipped  over  toward  and  suddenly  forward  from 
left  shoulder  or  upper  arm.    (Cheyenne  I.) 

]{ight  hand  carried  to  the  left  breast,  with  the  fore  and  secoiul  fingers 
exteiide<l,  pointing  downward,  obliipiely  toward  the  left,  back  outward 
(iU,  turned  oblicpiely  downward),  make  several  outward  and  inward 
mov(!nient8  of  the  exteiuled  fingers  oidy.  (Dakota  I.)  "  '  Stop!  let  me 
think.'  The  heart  is  regarded  as  the  seat  of  all  the  fuiu-tions  of  life, 
hence  the  sign  of  thinking  from  that  organ." 

Hold  the  left  hand,  pointing  toward  the  right  palm,  backward,  a  foot 
in  front  of  the  neck ;  then  move  the  right  hand,  palm  toward  the  left, 
from  an  upright  position  just  below  the  mouth  over  the  left  to  arm's 


lili 


m 


262 


P 


length,  turning  the  end  of  tlic  riglit  hand  (htwnwiird  until  it  points  for- 
ward.    {Dakota  IV.)     "  The  mind  going  Htraight  forward." 

Clinch  the  right  hand  and  place  the  radial  side  (either  the  thumb  or 
the  middle  Joint  of  tiic  index)  against  theh)\ver  portion  of  the  forehea«l; 
the  list  is  usually  placed  between  the  eyes.  At  the  same  time  the  hea<l, 
witii  eyes  to  the  ground,  is  inclined  and  rested  against  tiic  list,  as  if  in 
meditation.     (Dakota  VI,  VII.) 

Hit  the  chest  with  clcsed  tist,  tlnnnb  over  the  list.     {Omaha  1.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  hUju. — In  the  sense  of  Suppoxe  or  Vresume  tin-  sign 
was  made  by  nodding  the  head  slightly,  accompanied  by  a  steady  fixing 
of  the  eye.    {Uallard.) 

Italian  sii/n. — The  forelinger  on  tlie  foreliead  denotes  either  effort  of 
thought  or  force  of  talent.     {Untler.) 

Tliiiii«lei*. 

The  sign  of  Rain  accompanied  by  the  voice  iudtating  the  rumbling 
sound  of  thunder.     {Dunb<ir.) 

Uands  j)artially  closed,  backs  outward,  elevated  to  the  ears  ;  nu)ved 
slightly  out  and  in  ;  face  expres      g  annoyance  or  i)ain.     {Cheyenne  I.) 

Another:  The  sign  for  To  ^iinft"  exaggerated.  {Cheyenne  I.)  "Great 
voice  or  big  sing." 

Right  hand  raised  as  high  above  the  head  as  jxissible  (with  the  hand 
as  T),  bring  it  down  in  front  of  the  body  with  a  (luick  motion,  snapping 
the  lingers,  and  sejiarating  them  (as  <|),  tlie  fingers  pointing  downward, 
back  of  hand  outward.  Same  sign  includes  Li;tiif  iiiii^.  Thunder 
and  lightning  so  freciuently  accompany  each  other  as  to  suggest  to  the 
Indian  the  idea  of  constancy;  hence  no  separate  sign  for  lightning. 
{Dakota  I.) 

From  positions  near  together  in  front  of  the  face,  palms  forward,  sej)- 
arate  the  upright  clinched  hands  about  eigliteen  inciies,  and  then,  turn- 
ing the  palms  inward,  move  tiie  liauds  backward,  one  on  each  side  of 
the  head.     {Dakota  IV.)     "  Spreads  and  goes  away." 

Tie,  To. 

Make  a  circular  motion  around,  over,  and  above  the  left  hand — held 
in  front  of  breast  (fist,  A.  1) — with  the  right  hand,  witli  thumb  and  fore- 
finger extended,  crooked  and  meeting  (other  fingers  closed),  back  of  hand 
upward,  of  closed  fingers  outward,  and  then  jtass  the  right  hand  under 
the  h^ft,  with  thumb  and  forefinger  separated  and  drawn  inward  or  back 
ward  again  as  though  having  seized  hold  of  something  and  pulling  hard 


'■   VI 


263 

on  it,  iiltor  which  the  liylit  liand  is  dropped  (h)\vii\vnrd.  (Pukota  1.) 
"  Putting  a  huiat  around  the  pole  and  making  it  secure.  Securing  the 
horse." 

Tlie  seasons,  corresponding  with  our  divisions  of  winter,  spring,  .sum- 
mer, and  autumn,  are  denoted  l>y  their  appropriate  signs — Winter,  hy 
Colli  or  $lino\V;  Sprln^j,  hy  the  Npi*iii}(iii^  up  of  fllC  fwl'aMN; 
tiiinniiir,  hy  I^oiij;'  fiirnMM,  the  Time  C'licrrieM  arc  Ripe,  etc.; 

and  Aii(i(mu,Uy  tlie  Falling- of  llie  LeaveM.  //'»»*•  of  tiie  »h»y 
is  ai)])ro.\in)ately  (lcnote<l  by  tlie  PomIUoii  oI"  llie  ^llll.  A  Month 
(one  moon)  is  also  denoted  by  its  appropriate  sign.  Days  and  nights 
can  also  be  so  denoted.     {Ihihota  I.) 

Uenf-miite  nntuva}  nifin. — No  general  sign.  A  dai)  is  indicated  by 
moving  the  Unelinger  across  the  sky ;  parts  of  the  (tay  by  jjortions  of 
this  mov;'inent  ;  ihti/s  unml)ercd  by  sleci»s,  tiiat  is,  by  inclining  the  head 
on  tin-  liaiitl  reiteutedly ;  «w)/(,  by  the  index-tinger  of  the  right  hand 
applied  to  that  of  the  left,  as  for  the  time  when  the  hands  of  the  clock 
meet  and  both  ]»oint  to  the  liour  twelve.     (linUnrd.y 

P'uture. 

The  arms  an  lloxod  and  hands  brought  together  in  front  of  body  as 
in  type-position  (Yl^).  Tiie  hands  are  made  to  move  in  wave-like  mo- 
tion up  and  down  together  and  from  side  to  side.  {Otol.)  *'Fh)ating 
on  the  ti<le  of  time." 

C(mnt  otf  tingers,  then  shut  ii''  tiie  lingers  of  both  hands  several 
times,  and  touch  the  hair  and  tent.  (Ap<tchi'  III.)  "Many  years; 
when  I  am  old  (white-liaired)." 

Deaf-mute  natural  kuju. — To  denote  a  future  time,  the  sign  is  made  by 
putting  the  hand  on  tlie  cheek  with  the  head  slightly  inclined,  meaning 
c/fM/N,  and  counting  on  the  fingers  to  denote  how  many.  There  is  no 
^])ecitic  sign  to  distinguish  the  past  from  the  future.      (Ballard.) 

Long. 


I'lace  the  hands  close  together  and  then  move  them  sh)wly  asunder, 
so  slowly  that  they  seem  as  if  they  would  Tiever  complete  the  gesture. 
{Cheyenne  sign.  Keport  of  Lieut.  J.  W.  Aberf,  he.  c(7.,  j).  4-'t5.)  •'This 
was  used  in  narrating  a  tradition  and  I'eferring  to  great  anti<prity  in  time ; 
also  ai)plied  to  great,  indetinite  distance." 

Signs  for  iiileep  and  .Haiiy.    {Arapaho  I.)    Literally, "  many  sleeps." 

Fingers  of  both  hands  clasped  as  though  holding  a  string,  left  hand 
remaining  stationary,  right  hand  drawn  along  the  imaginary  string  in 
projKntion  to  the  length  of  time  to  be  represented.  It  also  means  old 
in  the  abstract.     (Cheyenne  I.) 


m 


ill 


I 


2fi4 


■M;  ■-■ 


:ii'\i- 


Place  tlio  hands  as  in  Time  (Mlioi't);  then  draw  tlicni  apart  any 
distanci'  tliouylit  necessary  by  the  talker  to  convoy  the  idea.  (Chey- 
enni'  II.) 

l^oth  hands  in  front  of  tiio  breast,  tlinnib  and  forefln^er  of  each 
extended,  curved,  and  meeting;  at  tii»s  (otiier  (infers  closed),  hands  hori- 
zontal, ba(!ks  ontward,  secoo'i  j.lialan};es  of  little  llnjjers  JoincMl,  then 
the  hands  are  se[>arated  by  slowly  carrying;-  rijjjht  to  ri;fht,  left  to  left, 
still  horizontal,  and  on  the  same  level,  by  a  series  of  short  sto|»s,  as 
thon;>'h  passin;;  a  string  between  the  thnnib  and  forefinger  of  ea(^h  and 
ti;,'htenin;;'  on  it,  arais  carried  to  fall  extent  at  sides  of  body.  {Dakota 
1.)     "  Making  time." 

Throw  the  n[)ri;ilit  opened  rijjht  hand  forward  three  times  from  the 
wrist  jnst  in  front  (»f  the  rijilit  ear,  the  palm  inward,  (intiers  joined, 
thuml)  separated  a  little  from  the  index.     (Dakota  IV.) 

Ifold  the  left  hand,  (;losed,  abont  a  foot  in  front  of  the  left  shoulder, 
the  foretin;;'er  extended  and  ]»ointin^-  upward  ;  then  close  the  riy  lit  hand, 
index  oidy  extemleil,  horizontal;  touch  the  tij)  of  the  left  forelln;i('r  with 
the  tij)  of  the  index,  and  draw  the  ri};ht  hand  backward  to  the  rijjht 
shouhler.     (SIiohIiohI  and  lianah  I.) 

Place  the  left  hand  in  front  of  the  chest,  the  tips  of  the  thumb  and 
f()retin<;er  touchinjj;,  with  reiuiiinin};  (lufiers  tightly  closed;  with  the 
lingers  and  thumb  of  the  ri^^ht  hand  similarly  placed;  brinjj;  the  tips  of 
thumb  and  index  of  the  riy:ht  against  those  of  the  left,  and  draw  them 
slowly  apart,  the  left  hand  forward  and  outward  from  the  left  side,  and 
the  rifjht  backward  over  the  front  of  the  rif>'ht  shoulder.  (Kaioica  I; 
Comanche  III;  Apache  IV  ;    117(7/ (7«  II.) 

Another :  Hold  the  left  hand  about  twelve  inches  in  front  of  the  left 
shoulder,  tips  (tf  foretinyer  and  thund)  touching:;  then  itriny  the  tip  of 
the  index  ajjainst  that  of  the  thumb,  the  rifjht  touchinjj;  those  of  the  left, 
and  draw  them  slowly  ajKirt,  bnn}>inn'  the  rifiht  hand  toward  the  rij;ht 
shoulder  as  if  drawini;-  out  a  lonj^  thread.  (  Wyandut  I ;  Kaiowa  I ;  Co- 
manche III;  Ajiachell;   Wichita  11.) 

Place  the  thiunb  and  foretin^icr  of  each  haiul  as  if  holdin}?  a  small  pin, 
place  the  two  hands  (in  this  ])osition)  as  if  holdinj;  a  thread  in  each  hand, 
and  between  the  thumb  and  forelinfjjer  of  each  han<l  (!lose  to<jether,  and 
let  the  hands  recede  from  each  other,  still  holdin*,'  the  lingers  in  the 
same  position,  as  if  lettinjj  a  thread  slip  between  them,  until  the  hands 
are  two  feet  apart.     (  Wichita  I.) 

Lately,  recently. 


liight-hand  lingers  and  thuml)  extended  straight  upward,  separated 


26r) 

(R),  iH  broii<rlit  np  to  Hido  of  faco  (rl>,'lit)  vrith  palm  townnl  fncc,  niul 
inuvud  liiickwanl  uiid  forwartl  two  or  throe  tiinoH.     {Vheifennc  II.) 

Hold  th«i  l«ft  hand  at  arm's  Iciigtii,  (ilosod,  with  tbn^fliijior  only  cx- 
tund(>d  and  pointing  in  tliu  dir»(;tion  of  thu  plaru  whoru  th<^  ovcnt  oc- 
curred ;  tliea  hold  the  rij;ht  hand  a;jcaiiiMt  the  right  shoulder,  closed,  hut 
witli  index  extended  and  pointing  in  the  direction  of  the  left.  The 
hantls  may  be  exciianged,  the  riuht  extended  and  the  ItH't  retained,  as 
the  case  may  re<|uire  for  ease  in  description.  (Abmroka  I ;  iShoHlioni  and 
Banak  I.) 

The  flat  open  right  hand,  turned  baclt  towani  the  right,  lingers  ex- 
tended, pointing  upward  (N),  is  (iarried  biuikward  and  forward  at  the 
riglit  side  of  the  head,  and  then  the  rigiit  hand  is  passed  by  the  left 
hand,  held  horizontal,  back  toward  the  left  (H  turned  horizontal  in- 
stead of  upright),  about  a  foot  and  a  half  in  front  of  the  faces  (Dakota 
I.)    "(fone  by  in  time." 

Extend  the  right  index,  half  close  the  other  lingers,  thumb  against 
the  middle  linger,  and  after  placing  tiie  hand,  back  outward  aii«l  well- 
extended,  on  the  upright  forearm,  f'  irorsix  inches  in  front  of  the  right 
ear,  throw  it  forward  about  four  inches  three  times,  by  jerks,  from  the 
wrist.     {Dakota  IV.) 


Long  a|  o. 


Both  hands  clo;'.i;d,  forefingers  extended  and  straight;  place  one  hand 
at  arm's  length,  pointing  horizontally,  the  other  against  the  shoulder  or 
near  it,  pointing  in  the  Hasne  direction  as  the  opposite  one.  FretpuMitly 
the  tips  of  the  foretingers  are  placed  together,  and  the  hands  drawn 
apart,  until  they  reach  the  positions  described.  {Abmroka  1 ;  Shoskoni 
and  lianak  1.) 

Place  the  flat  rigiit  hand,  palm  forward,  near  the  side  of  the  head,  and 
wave  it  by  interrupted  movements  outward  toward  the  right,  gradually 
turning  the  i)alm  incire  and  more  to  the  right.  {Kaiowal;  Comanche 
III;  Apache  11;    Whiiita  11.) 

Another :  Pass  the  right  hand.  Hat  and  extended,  edgewise  and  point- 
ing upward  from  over  the  shoulder,  outward  toward  the  rigiit  in  a 
waving  motion,  so  that  at  each  movement  the  hand  is  farther  from  the 
head,  ami  at  last  the  palm  is  turned  nearly  to  the  right.  {Kahwn  I; 
Comanche  III;  Apache  11;   Wichita  LI.) 


Short. 


{Arap- 


The  sign  for  Time  (Lon};:)  followed  by  that  of  negation. 
aho  I.) 

Both  hands  in  front  of  breast,  about  six  inches  apart,  arched  (H, 
back  outward),  thumbs  and  foretingers  horizontal,  and  pointed  tuward 
34 


» 


266 


each  other ;  move  slowly  together  till  thumbs  and  fingers  of  each  hand 
touch,  if  a  very  sliort  time  is  meant.     {Vheyenne  II.) 

Indicate  by  pointing  to  the  sun  or  above,  as  at  tlie  sun  at  high  meri- 
dian, and  move  right  hand  to  right  a  short  distance.  Or,  if  sun  or 
mof  II  is  seen,  point  at,  with  same  indication,  a  slow  motion  and  short 
distance  of  rotation  or  change.     (Ojibira  IV.) 

Tlie  rigl't  index  extended  and  pointing  obliquely  upward  (K),  is  held 
ten  or  twelve  inches  in  front  of  cue  breast,  then  the  hand  is  turned 
horizontal,  back  upward,  and  drawn  slowly  inward  to  the  body,  fingers 
pointing  tosvard  the  left  and  oblicpiely  downward.  (Dakota  I.)  "A 
short  distance  in  time." 

With  th(^  tip-  of  the  index  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  touching, 
pretend  to  draw  a  short  fiber  lield  by  the  forefinger  and  thumb  of  the 
left.     [Kaimcal;  Comanche  Ul ;  Apache  II;   Wichita  U.) 

Anotlier:  Place  tiie  tips  of  the  forefingers  and  thumbs  together  as  in 
Time  (liOll^);  then  draw  them  about  an  inch  apart.  (Kaioica  I; 
Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

Some  time  ago.     From  a  certain  time  mentioned. 

IlaTJiig  placed  tii'  nearly  irlosed  left  hand,  back  outward,  about  two 
fct't  in  front  of  the  lower  part  of  the  chest,  and  tiu^  right  iiand,  back 
outward,  about  six  inches  back  of  it  and  a  little  to  tlu;  right,  fingers  re- 
lax(Hl  and  separated  a  little,  piisli  the  left  liand  .i  very  little  forward 
ai;d  toward  tiie  'eft,  and  draw  tlu^  riglit  backwanl  a!id  toward  the  rigiit 
until  it  is  al>out  s"x  inches  in  front  of  tin^  right  side;  then  drop  the  left 
hand  and  move  the  right  one  from  the  wrist  ui*  and  down  •  Ixmt  eight 
inches  two  or  three  times.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Soon. 


liaise  left  hand  and  arm  partly,  paj^n  towanl  tlie  body,  arm  Ixuit  at 
right  angle,  hand  and  foreaiin  drawn  forwanl  toward  the  body  slowly, 
with  slight  bow  of  head  toward  body.     [Ojibwa  I\'.) 

Very  long  ago. 


Wave  the  extended  Hat  right  hand  in  an  interrupted  maimer  outward 
and  slightly  backward  from  the  right  side  of  the  head.     (  Wyandot  I.) 

Of  day.    See  Hour. 


T«'  '.lay.     8ee  Day.     (Comi)are  !^ow.) 

Tipi  vtepet').    Hee  tAnlyie. 

Tii*ed,  weary. 

Strike  the  palmar  surfaces  o{  both  hands  (W)  against  tlie  logs  about 
midway  between  the  thighs  and  knees,  and  carry  out  to  the  sides  for  a 


267 


few  indies  with  both  hands  as  in  (W),  with  extended  fingers  pointing 
forwf.rd,  carrying  the  hands  downward  for  nine  or  ten  inches  with  a 
quicli  motion  and  coming  to  a  sudden  atop,  {Dakota  I.)  "Legs  have 
given  out." 

Tlie  left  arm  is  partly  extended  forward  and  is  gently  struck  near 
the  bend  of  the  elbow,  usually  above  it,  with  the  i)alm  of  the  right 
hand;  at  the  same  time  the  head  is  usually  inclined  to  the  left  sidu; 
then,  in  sinjihiv  manner,  the  right  arni  is  extended  and  struck  by  the 
left  hand,  and  the  head,  in  turn,  inclined  to  the  right.  If  the  sign-maker 
aims  to  be  i)articularly  expressive,  he  assumes  an  appearance  of  weari- 
ness.    {Mandan  and  llidatmi  1.) 

Pass  the  haiuls  down  the  legs,  hands  trembling,  gatlier  arms  to  side, 
fists  before  chin,  and  settle  elbows  down  in  the  lap;  facial  expression 
corroborating.     (  Ifuwhr  III.)     "Action  of  an  exhausted  man." 

Tomahawk,  a\,  hatchet. 

Cntss  the  arms,  and  slide  the  edge  of  the  right  hand,  held  vertically, 
down  over  the  left  arm.  (  Wied.)  Still  employed,  at  le;:st  for  a  small 
hatciiet,  or  "  dress  tomahawk,'' as  I  mightcall  it.  The  essential  point  is 
laying  the  extende<l  right  han<l  in  the  bend  of  the  left  elbow.  The 
sliding  down  over  tlie  left  arm  is  an  almost  unavoidable  but  (piite  un- 
necessary accompaniment  to  the  sign.  Tlie  sign  indicates  the  way  in 
TrViich  the  hatchet  is  usually  carried  This  is  illustrated  in  Oatlin's 
North  American  Indians  i)y  no  less  than  fourteen  portraits.  In  seven 
of  lliese  portraits  tiu!  hattilu'-t  is  represented  in  (litferent  i»ositions.  In 
one  of  th  'se  the  position  approxinnites  that  of  this  sign  ;  in  other.^  the 
subject  i.-'  so  h)adeil  down  with  weapons  that  he  cannot  give  his  ax  the 
nsu'.'.l  ;;osition,  and  in  otiiers  there  are  some  evidences  of  "jx. sing"  by 
the  artist.  Pipes,  wiiips,  liows  and  arrows,  fans,  and  other  dress  or  em- 
blematic arti«!les  of  the  "  buck"  are  .sel(h)m  or  never  carried  in  the  heiul 
of  the  left  elbow  as  is  the  ax.  Tiui  i>ipe  is  usually  held  in  tiie  left  hand. 
{MattluiCH.)  Tiiere  is  not  the  least  similarity  in  execution  or  conception 
between  Wicd's  and  the  {Olii  I)  signs,  the  Ibrmer  l)eing  al.so  very  ob- 
Hcure.  Homething  with  a  long  handle  and  wide  blade,  u.sed  for  chop- 
l)iiig.     (lioteler.) 

Ih  denoted  by  choi)ping  the  left  hand  witii  the  right.     [linrtOH.) 

Right  hand  elevated  to  level  of  chin,  fingers  open  and  Hattened, 
tlnnnb  lying  clo.se  to  and  aloikg  the  foreHng(>r,  whole  hand  bent  in  tie 
direction  of  the  little  tingirand  at  a  right  angle  to  the  wrist.  {Chey- 
enne I.)  "  The  .:;;/lion  of  chopping  imitated,  using  the  forearm  as  the 
handle  of  the  ax." 

Kight  hand  in  front  of  the  body  as  though  grasping  the  handle  of  a 
tomahawk,  ami  at  the  .same  time  a  slight  upward  and  downward  move- 


i 


268 


niont  of  the  hand  is  made, 
the  tomahawk." 


( Daliota  I.)     "  From  the  manner  of  holding 


»' 


m^u 


h>,i.  ^,^ 


With  rij;ht  hand  cU)sed  or  oi)ened,  and  the  pahn  obliquely  upward 
toward  the  left,  and  the  left  hand  o|)ened,  i)alni  obliquely  downward 
toward  the  right,  and  fingers  forward,  move  them  downward  toward 
the  left  several  times  to  imitate  chopping  with  an  ax.    (Dakota  IV.) 

Place  the  extended  flat  right  hand  edgewise  above  the  left,  similarly 
held,  both  pointing  toward  the  left  an<l  downward,  and  make  a  simulta- 
neous cut  in  that  direction  with  both.  (Dakota  Yl;  Hidatml;  Ari- 
kara  I.) 

The  left  arm  is  extended,  the  hand  edgewise,  thumb  up  and  fingers 
inclined  downward,  much  in  i)osition  (L  1),  fingers  ojjened.  The  ex- 
tended right  index  is  then  brought  to  touch  the  lower  tlii(!k  j>art  of  the 
left  hand,  and  then  slowly  drawn  downward  and  ba(ikward  to  about  the 
length  of  the  handle.  Botli  hands  then,  in  statu  quo,  exert  a  uniform 
and  simultiineous  up  and-down  motion,  as  in  chopping  wood.  (Oto  and 
Missouri  I.)     "  Something  with  a  long  handle  by  which  we  chop." 

The  riglit  hand,  with  extended  index  only,  is  brought  to  the  mouth 
and  the  finger  inserted;  tiu;  act  of  smoking  is  then  imitated  as  the  polo 
of  this  instrunuMit  is  hollowed  and  handle  |>erforiited  to  be  used  as  a 
pijte.  The  riglit  hand  is  now  extended  in  |iositi<»ii  (I^  1),  modified  by 
fingers  being  opened  and  inclined  downward.  The  left  hand  is  then 
su|>erimposed  to  tlie  left  in  position  (|j  1),  modified  f»y  index  being 
cU»sed.     (Oto  and  Mi,isoHn  I.)     "An  ax  through  vaUU'U  nuv  smokes." 

To-uiorrow.    See  Dny. 

Tradr;  barter. 

First  make  the  sign  of  Kxclinilife,  then  pal  tlic;  left  arm  with  the 
riglit  linger,  with  a  rapid  motion  from  the  hand,  pasMing  it  t«)ward 
the  shouhler.     (Umy.) 

Strike  the  extended  index-finger  of  the  right  hand  several  times  upon 
that  of  the  left.  (  Wied.)  I  ha\'e  des<uibed  the  same  sign  in  diftcrent 
terms  and  at  greater  length.  It  is  only  nect'ssaiy,  however,  to  place 
the  fingers  in  contact  oiute.  The  person  wlumi  the  rrince  saw  making 
this  sign  may  have  meant  to  indicate  something  more  than  the  simple 
idea  of  trade,  /.  r.,  triwle  oft^'u  or  habitually.  The  idea  of  frecpiency  iH 
often  conveyed  by  The  repetition  of  a  sign  (as  in  some  Indian  languages 
by  repetition  of  the  nH)t).  Or  the  sign-maker  may  have  repeated  the 
•lign  to  demonstrate  it  more  clearly,  (Mattheirs.)  Though  some  differ- 
ence «'xists  in  the  motions  executed  in  Wifd''n  sign,  and  that  i^l' (Oto  and 
MixKouri  I),  there  is  sufticient  similarity  to  Justify  a  itrobable  identity  of 
conception  and  to  make  them  easily  'iiiderstood.  (Hotrler.)  In  the 
author's  mind  Exchange  was  probably  intende<l  for  (me  tninsaction,  in 


■  '• 


m: 


269 


which  each  of  two  articles  took  the  place  before  occupied  by  the  other, 
and  Trade  WAV  intended  for  a  more  f^eneral  and  systematic  barter,  indi- 
cated by  the  repetition  of  strokes,  whicli  the  index-fingers  mutually 
changed  positions. 

Cross  the  forefingers  of  both  hands  before  tl»o  breast.  {Burton.) 
"Diamond  cut  diamond."  This  conception  of  one  smart  trader  cutting 
into  the  profits  of  another  is  a  mistake  arising  from  the  rough  resem- 
blance of  the  sign  to  that  f:)r  Cllf  tin^:. 

Cross  the  index-fingers.     {Macijoirnn.) 

Cross  the  forefingers  at  right  angles.     [Araptdio  I.) 

Both  hands,  jjalins  facing  each  other,  forefingers  extended,  crossed 
right  above  left  before  the  breast,     {('heyeritie  I.) 

The  left  hand,  with  forefinger  extended,  pointing  toward  the  right 
(rest  of  fingers  closed)  horizontal,  ba(;k  outward,  otiicrwise  as  (!?■),  is 
held  in  front  of  left  breast  about  a  foot;  and  tiie  riglit  hand,  with  fore- 
finger extended  (J),  in  front  of  and  near  the  rigiit  l)reast,  is  carrieil  out- 
ward and  struck  over  tne  toj»  of  the  stationary  left  (  +  )  crosswise,  where 
it  remains  for  a  moment.     (Dakota  I.) 

The  sign  shouhl  be  made  at  the  height  of  the  breast.  Uaise  the  right 
index  about  a  foot  above  the  left  l»efore  crossing  tliem.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"Yours  is  there  and  m'uw.  is  there;  take  either." 

IMacc  the  tirsc  two  fingers  of  the  right  iiami  across  tliosc  of  the  left, 
l>oth  Ix'ing  sligl:*^ly  spread.  The  hands  are  sometimes  u.sed,  but  are 
placed  ('dgewise.     [Dakota  V.) 

Another:  The  index  of  the  right  hand  is  laid  across  the  forelinger 
of  the  h'ft  when  the  transaction  includes  l)ut  two  persons  trading  single 
artii'le  for  article.     (Dakota  V.^ 

Strike  the  Imck  of  the  extended  index  at  right  angle  against  the  radial 
side  of  tlie  extended  forelinger  of  the  left  hand.     (Dalcota  VI,  VII.) 

The  forefingers  are  extended,  held  ol)Ii(pu'ly  upward,  and  crossed  at 
right  angles  to  one  another,  usually  in  front  of  the  chest.  (Mamian 
and  Ifulatna  I.) 

The  i)alm  point  of  the  right  index  extended  tonclies  the  chest;  it  is 
then  turned  toward  the  second  intlividual  interested,  then  touclies  the 
object.  The  arms  are  now  drawn  toward  the  body,  semillexed,  with  the 
hands,  in  type-positions  (W  W),  crossed,  the  right  superpo.sed  to  the 
left.  The  indiviibial  then  casts  an  interrogating  glance  at  the  second 
person.  ((Ho  and  MiHsouri  I.)  "To  cross  something  from  one  to  an- 
other." 


^  m 


i  Pill 


f. 


>»  ji|f:fl 


'k 


270 


Close  the  hands,  except  the  iiidexflngers  and  the  thuinbH;  witli  them 
open,  move  the  hands  several  times  past  one  another  at  the  height  of 
the  breast,  the  index- tinkers  pointing  upward  and  the  thumbs  outward. 
{Iroquois  I.)     "The  movement  indicates  'exchanging.'" 

Hold  the  left  hand  horizontally  before  the  body,  with  the  forefinger 
only  extended  and  pointing  to  the  right,  palm  downward;  then,  with 
the  right  liand  closed,  index  only  extended,  palm  to  the  right,  place  the 
index  at  rig!:t  iugles  on  the  forefinger  of  the  left,  touching  at  the  second 
joints.     (Kaioirn  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

Pass  the  hands  in  front  of  the  body,  all  the  lingers  closed  except  the 
forefingers.     (Sahaptin  I.) 

Close  the  fingers  of  both  hands  (K);  bring  them  opposite  each 
shoulder;  then  bring  the  hands  across  each  other's  pathway,  witliout 
permitting  them  to  touch.  At  the  close  of  the  sign  the  left  hand  will  be 
near  and  pointing  at  the  riglit  siionlder;  right  hand  will  be  near  and 
pointing  at  the  left  shoulder.     (Comanche  I.) 

Close  both  hands,  leaving  the  forelingers  only  extended ;  i»lace  the 
right  before  and  several  inciies  above  the  left,  then  pass  the  right  hand 
toward  t!ie  left  eibovv  and  tlu;  left  hand  toward  the  right  ell>ow,  each 
liand  following  tlie  course  made  by  a  tlourislung  cut  witii  a  short  sword. 
This  sign,  according  to  the  informant,  is  also  entployed  by  the  Banak 
and  Umatilla  Indians.     {Comanche  II;  Pai-rtel.) 

The  forefingers  of  both  hands  only  extended,  pass  the  left  from  left  to 
right,  and  tlie  right  at  the  same  time  crossing  its  courses  from  the  tip 
toward  tlie  wrist  of  the  left,  stopj»ing  whv  :<  the  wrists  cross.  {Utc  I.) 
"  Excliange  of  articles." 

Hands  pronated  and  forefinger  crossed.     {Znui  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  niijn. — Cose  the  liand  slightly,  as  if  taking  some- 
thing, and  move  it  forward  and  open  the  hand  as  if  to  droj)  or  give 
away  the  tiling,  and  again  close  and  withdraw  the  hand  as  if  to  take 
something  else.     (liallard.) 

Our  instructtMl  deaf-mutes  use  substantially  the  sign  described  in  {Man- 
dan  and  lUdatxa  I.) 

To  buy. 

Hold  the  left  hand  al)out  twelve  inches  before  the  breast,  the  thumb 
resting  on  tlu;  closed  third  and  fourth  fingers;  the  fore  and  second  fin- 
gers separated  and  extended,  palm  toward  the  breast;  then  j)as8  the 
extended  index  into  the  (irotch  formed  by  the  separated  fingers  of  the 
left  hand.  This  is  an  invented  sign,  and  was  given  to  illustrate  the 
ditferenci!  between  buying  and  trading.     {Ute  I.) 


271 

Deaf  mute  natural  nifjii. — Make  a  circle  on  the  palm  of  the  left  hand 
withthefoielinj^erof  the  rifjlithand,  t-o  denote  co/m,  and  dose  the  tiiunib 
and  fnifjer  as  if  to  take  the  money,  and  jmt  the  hand  forward  to  si^'iiify 
iih-'mn  it  to  some  one,  and  move  the  hand  a  little  apart  from  the  place 
where  it  left  the  money,  and  then  close  and  withdraw  the  hand,  as  if  to 
take  the  thinj?  i)nrchased.     {Ballanl.) 

Italian  ni(jn. — To  indicate  paying,  in  the  langnage  of  the  linfjers,  one 
makes  as  thontjh  he  pntsonH'thin;,',  piece  after  i)iece,  from  one  hand  into 
the  other — and  {^estnn;,  however,  far  less  expressive  than  that  when  a 
man  lacks  money  and  yet  cannot  make  np  a  face  to  \wg  it;  or  simply  to 
indicate  want  of  money,  which  is  to  rub  tojfether  the  tluimb  and  fore- 
flnfjer,  at  the  same  time  stretchinf?  ont  the  hand.    {liutlvr.) 

Kxchange. 

The  .wo  forefinjfers  are  extended  perpendicularly,  and  the  hands  are 
then  passed  by  each  other  transversely  in  front  of  the  breast  ho  as  nearly 
to  exchange  positions.     (Lony.) 

Pass  both  hands,  with  extended  foreHngers,  a<!ross  each  other  before 
th(!  breast.     (  Wivd.) 

(lands  brought  np  to  front  of  breast,  forefingers  extended  and  oth^^r 
fingers  slightly  dosetl;  hands  suddenly  drawn  toward  and  past  eu«^h 
other  until  forearms  are  (!rossed  in  front  of  breast.  {Clu-yenne  I.)  "  Ex- 
change; right  hand  exchanging  position  with  the  left." 

Left  hand,  with  forelinger  extended,  otiiers  <!losed  (,ll,  except  back  of 
hand  outward),  is  brought,  arm  ex^'ended,  in  front  of  tiie  left  breast,  and 
the  exteuded  forelinger  <»f  the  right  hand,  obli(piely  upward,  others 
closed,  is  placed  (crosswise  over  the  left  and  maintained  in  that  jxtsition 
for  a  uu>mcnt,  when  the  fingers  of  the  right  hand  are  relaxed  (as  in  If), 
brought  near  tin;  breast  with  hand  iiori/.ontal,  palm  inward,  and  then 
carried  out  again  in  front  of  rif'.i  hreast  twenty  i'lches,  with  palm  look- 
ing toward  the  left,  fingers  i)ointing  ftu'ward,  hand  horizontal,  and  then 
the  \i  'ft  haiul  performs  the  same  movements  oi  the  left  side  of  the  body. 
(Dakota  1.)     ''Von  give  me,  I  give  you." 


r. 


:i 


The  hands,  backs  forward,  are  held,  ds  'udex  hands,  pointing  upward, 
the  elbows  being  fully  bent:  each  Imiki  is  then,  simidtain'ously  with  the 
other,  move'',  to  the  opposite  shou'uler,  .s  >  that  the  fori'arms  (-ro.ss  one 
aunt  her  aliuost  at  light  angles.    [Mamlaii  and  I.li4at»i:  I.) 

Trnp  (I leaver.) 

The  two  forefingers  brought  suddenly  together  in  a  parallel  iiiiinner. 
so  as  to  represent  the  snapping  of  the  steel  trap.     (A/(»/i//,) 


m 


!'.;t- 


272 

Travail;   plural,  Travaiix  or  TravoiM.    (The  corrupt  FrencU 
ex|)reH8iuii  for  the  sledge  used  by  Indif'in.s,  })rol)ably  from  traineau.) 
The  same  sign  as  for  Dogr*    (Dakota  IV.) 

Traveling.    Heo  Ooiniir* 

Mmlerately;  marching.     See  Going. 

With  great  rapidity.    See  SwifV. 

Tree,  trecM.    (Compare  Forewl.) 

Vertically  raise  the  foroHuger,  pointed  upward,  other  tlngers  and 
thumb  closed,  back  of  liand  down.     (Arapalio  I.) 

Point  with  foretinger  extended  in  front  obliquely  toward  the  ground, 
and  with  an  extending  motion  of  arm  raise  tht;  hand  and  arm  (juicklj-  to 
an  angle  of  over  4.1° ;  extenil  arm  at  full  length,  then  with  fingers  and 
thumb  extended,  shake  the  hand  once  or  twice  to  indicate  the  branches, 
look  up  as  if  following  motion  of  hand.     [Ojihica  IV.) 

First  hold  the  right  index  in  front  of  the  breast,  upright  (J,  back 
outward),  for  a  moment,  and  then  open  the  second  and  third  fingers,  sep- 
arate them  ami  let  them  point  upward  in  different  directions,  thuml) 
resting  on  the  dosed  little  finger.  {Dakota  I.)  "The  trunk  of  a  tree 
and  its  branches.'' 

With  the  hands  upright,  backs  forward,  fingers  •■\  little  syparated  and 
slightly  bent,  the  right  behind  the  left  and  a  foot  in  front  of  the  chin, 
move  the  left  a  foot  or  so  obliipiely  forward  toward  the  left,  and  the 
right  obliquely  backward  toward  the  right  until  it  is  in  fnmt  of  and 
iHear  the  right  shoulder.     [Dakota  IV.) 

Ilo'd  the  right  hand  before  the  body,  back  f(U'wanl,  fingers  and  thumb 
extended  and  separated ;  then  push  the  hand  slightly  upward.  Made 
more  than  once  in  succession  ami  at  different  pt>ints  of  the  horizon, 
means  trees  or  groves.     (Dakota  V,  \  I;  Hidafxa  I;  Arikara  I.) 

Move  the  right  hand,  fingers  hxtsely  exten<l(Ml,  separated  and  pointing 
ui)ward,  back  to  the  front,  u])ward  f'ron>  the  height  of  the  waist  to  the 
front  of  the  face.  For  trees,  nctt  referring  to  a  dense  grove  or  a  forest, 
the  same  sign  is  repeated  several  times  toward  different  points  in  front  of 
the  body.  (Kaiowal;  Vomamlie  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  U.)  "Trunk 
and  branches." 


(lrov.«'  of. 

S<'e  Treew.     [Dakota  V,  \'I;  llidatm  I;  Arikara  I.) 

Haise  the  right  arm  vertically,  with  fingers  and  thumb  sjnead,  then 
grasp  the  arm  near  the  shoulder  with  the  left  hand.      (  Wyandot  I.) 


273 


"  Trunk  and  brau(;he.s,  the  left  hand  repreaentiug  tbe  earth  inclosing 
the  base  of  the  trunk."  .    . 

True,  truth. 

The  foretinger  passed  in  the  attitude  of  pointing,  from  tlie  month  for- 
ward in  a  line  curvin}i:  a  little  upward,  the  otiier  flnfjers  beiiifj  earefully 
closed.     {Long.) 

Lower  the  hand  in  front  of  the  breast,  then  extend  the  index-linger, 
raise  and  move  it  straight  forward  before  the  person.  (  Witil.)  1  have 
described  the  sign  for  this  in  much  the  same  way.  1  tliink  ♦'  lower  the 
hand"  refers  simj)ly  to  a  preparatory  motion;  if  the  hand  wert^  iiang- 
ing  by  the  side,  "  raise  the  hand."'  I  have  usually  seen  the  index-tinger 
held  horizontally,  not  perpendicularly,  if  that  is  what  he  means  by 
raised.  (MalthvicH.)  The  right  arm  is  Hexed  at  the  eli)owand  the  iiand 
drawn  up  to  the  mouth.  The  index-tinger  is  extended  palm  downward 
and  made  to  pass  steadily  forward,  describing  an  are  of  a  (|uadraut 
downward.  Though  WiviVii  sign  is  very  inexplicit,  there  is  much  simi- 
larity between  it  and  tlie  (Oti>  ami  .}fiHs<iitri  l)b()tii  as  to  concei^tion  and 
movement.  In  the  former,  the  stress  is  on  what  comes  from  the  moutii  ; 
in  the  latter  what  comes  from  the  breast.  (Boteler.)  "  Tiiat  wliich 
comes  straight  from  the  mouth  or  breast." 

If  one  linger  is  thrust  forward  in  a  straight  line  from  the  moutii,  it 
nutans  a  straigiit  si)eech,  or  speaking  the  truth.     (Ojibwa  I.) 

Thrust  tlie  foreting«'r  from  the  mouth  direcrt  tothe  front,  J.  <?.,  "straigiit," 
not  "(Tooked  speecli."  Also,  the  sign  for  Lie,  FalMehoOfI,  followed 
by  that  of  I¥e|^atiou.     {Anipalio  I.) 

Hight-hand  lingers  and  thumb  (Irooi)ing,  hold  thumb  inward  against 
the  heart ;  brought  up  to  the  level  of  the  mouth,  middle,  third,  and  little 
finger  closed,  forefinger  extended  ))oi>iting  forward,  tlirust  suddenly, 
with  a  curved  motion,  straight  forward  from  the  mouth.     (Vhryenue  I.) 

The  extended  forefinger  of  the  hori/.ontal  right  hand  (!?l),  other  fin- 
gers closed,  is  carried  straight  (»utward  from  tiie  mouth.  Tiiis  is  also 
the  sign  for  Ycw.    (IhtLohi  I.)    -One  tongue;  straightfiu-ward  talicing." 

IMace  the  rigiit  iiand  in  front  of  the  mouth,  back  upward,  index  ex- 
teinled  and  pointing  forward,  (»tlier  fingers  half  closed,  tliuiiil)  as  you 
l»least-,  move  the  hand  forward  about  eight  inches.  Some  point  tiic  in- 
dex forward  and  upward.    (Dakittti  IV.)    "One  tongue." 

Touch  the  breast  over  the  iieart  with  the  fingers  of  the  riglit  hand; 
then  with  tiie  extended  indexlinger  of  the  right  hand  i)ass  it  forward 
from  the  mouth,  elevate  and  hold  it  a  moment.  (Jhikoto  V.)  "This 
signifies  'onetongued,'  and  coining  from  the  heart  as  'sincerity  of 
thought.'"  The  breast,  being  the  initial  point,  tiie  sign  nearly  cor- 
responds with  the  Frencii  deaf-iiiute  sign  for  sincere'. 
a.". 


ft  m 


n'li-t 


ip'iw 


I;  m 


;  III. 
J   1 '  t' 


' 


■ii- 1.: 


H 


274 

Pass  the  extended  index,  pointin^j;  upward  and  lonvard,  forward  from 
the  mouth.    {Dakota  V I,  V II.)  ■    .- 

The  sign  is  the  same  as  that  for  Yes,  except  that  the  liand  is  heUI 
before  and  often  in  contact  with  the  mouth  and  the  motion  made  from 
that  point.     (MamUtn  mid  Hidatsa  I.) 

The  ri;^lit  liand  is  gratlually  hron}j;ht  to  the  mouth  which  is  in  motion 
of  talking;.  The  hand  is  in  position  (I  1)  modified  by  the  index-tiii^jfer 
beiuK  more  extended.  Tiie  hand  and  index  then  describe  the  arc  of  a 
cpuub'ant,  the  iiulex-ttn{(er  pointing  forwanl,  (ttitward  and  (h)wnward. 
(Oto  1.)     "  Wluit  comes  straight  or  unvarying." 

Make  the  sign  for  ^peak,  tlien  point  upward  with  tlie  extended 
index.     (  Wyandot  I.)     "  Talk  good." 

Pass  the  extended  index,  i)ointing  upward  and  forward,  to  the  front 
several  times.  (Ute  1.)  "  But  one  tongue;  only  one  way  in  talking — to 
tlie  front.'' 

With  the  index  oidy  extended,  pointing  forward,  i»ush  it  forward 
from  the  iiu>uth  in  a  slightly  downward  direction  and  terminating  as 
high  a.s  in  the  beginning.     (Aj)ache  1.) 

• 

8trike  with  right  index,  erect,  from  lips  forward ;  repeat  the  move- 
ment with  emphasis,  not  returning  to  lips  each  time.  {Apache  III.) 
"That  is  so." 

Kuu  the  finger  straight  out  fron»  the  center  or  middle  of  the  mouth. 

(Zvi'ii  I.) 

Dca/mute  uutnral  xiyn. — Nod  tlie  head  several  times  with  an  earnest 
look,  in  answer  to  an  indication  of  doubt  on  another  person's  face. 
{lialhifd.) 

Deaf-mutes  generally  give  the  gesture  of  moving  one  finger  straight 
from  the  lips.     "Straight-forward  si)eaking." 

Try,  To;  To  Atteiiiiil. 

With  l»otli  lists  (/%,  knuckles  outward)  in  front  of  breast,  the  left  a 
little  in  rear  of  the  right,  move  outward  briskly  and  repeat  the  ntotion 
two  or  three  times.     (Vheijcnne  II.)     "  Keep  pushing." 

Itiglit  index,  as  (J),  carried  to  the  right  and  to  the  left,  and  in  front  of 
the  body,  when  the  hand  is  turned  horizontal,  finger  pointing  straight 
outward,  and  then  the  hand  is  drawn  inward  toward  the  body  and 
slightly  ujtward  and  then  thrown  forward  and  downward,  on  a  curve, 
with  a  (piick  strong  movement,  so  that  the  arm  is  fully  extended  in 
front  of  the  body,  with  finger  horizontal  and  pointing  outward.  {Dakota 
I.)     ''Anything  it  is  I  will  try  to  do." 


275 

Turkey. 

The  open  IuiikIs  broui;ht  up  opposite  to  the  slioiihl('i-»  and  iniitatinj; 
shnvly  the  motion  of  the  wings  of  a  bird,  to  which  add  tiie  nign  for 
Chicken.     {Dunbar.) 

I'liderMland.    (Compare  Hear  and  Know.) 

The  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  riglit  hand  i)rouglit  togetlicr  near  the 
ti]is,  and  tlien  approa4;lied  and  receded,  to  and  from  ilieear  two  or  three 
times,  with  a  (juick  motion,  made  within  the  distance  of  two  or  three 
inches  Tiie  motion  of  the  Hngers  is  designed  to  represi'iit  the  sound 
entering  the  ear.     (Long.) 

Vertically  lower  the  hand  (right  usually  employed),  forednger  and 
thumb  extended,  other  tingers  closed  and  nails  up,  in  a  decisive  or  um- 
l)hatic  manner.  This  is  often  preceded  by  the  sign  of  anirmation,  /.  <?., 
Yew,  I  nnderHtand.    (Arapaho  I.) 

IJight  hand,  middle,  third,  and  little  fingers  dosed,  forefinger  extended, 
thuMib  (;ocke<l  upward,  held  a  short  disbince  in  front  of  the  mouth  ;  sign 
for  Yen,    (Chi-yeiine  I.) 

To  ]>oint  with  the  forefinger  to  the  ear  means  "  I  have  heard  an<l 
understand."    (Ojihica  I.) 

.Make  the  sign  To  Hear,  then  )>lace  the  hand  <|ui«rkly  before  the 
chin,  the  index  pointing  to  the  left;  then  move  tli''  hand  forward  and 
downward  a  short  distance  until  the  palm  comes  uppermost.  The  mo- 
ti(tii  takes  jilace  at  the  wrist.  When  the  motion  is  quickly  made  at  the 
termination  of  the  sign  Hear  t«)  the  beginning  of  that  for  llnder- 
wtand,  it  isetpiivalent  t«i  the  conjunction  and.    (iShoHlioni  and  lianak  I.) 

Forefinger  of  the  right  hand  extended  and  (;rooked,  other  fingers 
closed,  thumb  resting  on  the  second,  is  (;arri)>d  behind  the  right  ear, 
and  then  in  thesanu!  position  in  front  of  the  left  breast,  when^  it  is  held 
for  a  monu*nt  with  hand  upright,  edge  of  lingers  outward,  back  of  hand 
toward  the  right.     (Dakota  I.)     "I  hear;  I  understand." 

After  making  the  sign  for  To  hear,  throw  the  back  of  the  hand  for- 
ward (retaining  tlie  position  of  the  fingers),  and  move  it  forward  and 
downward.     (Ahsa-oka  I;  llidatsa  I;  Arikara  1.) 

IJotli  arms  are  flexed  and  folded  on  the  chest;  the  fingers  are  (ilosed 
ex4;ept  the  index,  which  is  hooked  much  as  in  position  (I),  index  more 
op«med  and  hand  horizontal.  The  hands  thus  are  made  to  touch  the 
sides  of  the  chest  and  then  passed  uniformly  forward  toward  the  object; 
tlie  same  several  tinu's  repeated.  (Oto  and  MisHouri  I.)  "  Sonu'thing 
known  between  you  and  me." 


i    . 


'J  ?  '^"' 


tllilt 


III 


276 


Make  the  sij>ii  for  To  Henr^  ami  by  merely  reversing  the  palm 
coucluileby  that  for  To  Know.  Sometimes  theHi^n  for  To  Know 
is  made  only,  as  an  abbreviation.  {Kuiowa  1;  Cuniaiiche  III;  Apache 
II;    WivhitoU.) 

Forefinger  of  right  hand  moved  iiuickly  from  behind  the  ear  to  the 
fn)nt.    {iSuhuptin  I.) 

Another:  Move  right  hand,  i)aim  toward  head,  all  fingers  extended 
(T  1),  to  a  iM)8iMou  behind  ear;  then  move  it  past  the  ear  to  a  i>oint 
in  front  of  breast;  then  turn  the  hand,  palm  d«)\vn  (W  1),  and  move 
to  a  i)oint,  say  a  foot  from  body,  and  a  little  to  the  right.  This  last 
is  sign  for  firood.     (Sahaptin  I.)     "Cutting  off  the  sound  or  words." 

Index  to  breast,  then  to  lips  with  a  vigorous  thrust  upward  and  for- 
ward, with  an  aflirmative  nod.     {Apache  III.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  wjV/m. — Look  down  at  vaeancy,  with  the  eyebrows 
knit,  and  ])Iaeing  the  hands  on  the  forehead  and  then  raising  the  head, 
slightly  arch  the  eyebrows.     (Ballard.) 

Do  not.     See  also  H<*ai*,  do  not. 


]-•■   :i.    .  ■    1 


Move  tlie  fiat  hand  quickly  past  the  ears  means  "I  have  not  heard" 
and  may  mean  tiiat  he  irill  not  understand,  or  that  the  request  passes 
his  ears  unheeded.  According  to  circumstances  it  may  mean  that  it 
passes  his  ears  because  he  considers  it  untrue.  Slightly  modified,  it 
will  indicate,  "You  are  trying  to  take  me  in."    (Ojihira  IV.) 

Sign  for  Under»itnnd,  followed  by  that  for  Ifo.  (Arapaho  I ;) 
(Cheyenne  II.) 

Point  to  the  ear  with  the  right  index,  slightly  curved  and  renmining 
fingers  closed;  then  place  fhe  tips  of  the  lingers  against  the  ball  of  the 
thumb,  and  snap  them  oti' — as  if  spritikling  water,  from  the  ear  outward 
and  forward  from  the  ear.     (IShoahoni  and  Jianak  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Undei'Mtand,  and  then  the  sign  for  IVo. 
(Dakota  I.)    "Do  not  hear  you,  understand  you." 

The  sign  for  Heai%  followed  by  that  for  Ifo,  made  to  the  side  of  the 
head.     (Apache  I.) 

Pass  one  or  two  fingers  from  lips  to  the  ear  and  make  the  sign  for 
^O,    (Apache  III.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  hUju. — Look  down  at  vacancy,  knit  the  eyebrows, 
putting  the  hand  on  the  forehead  and  shake  the  head.    (Ballard.) 

Unready,  unprepared,  etc. 

The  arms  are  raised  and  extended  parallel  before  the  body.    The 


1',!  )«•  ■■  .1 
M-.-     .... 


277 


hnnds  aHHiiine  position  (K  1)  ino<lill«Ml  by  beiii)?  horizotital.  Tlic  index- 
(inf^ers  ar«  then  approximated  anil  rubbed  tof^etiier  at  pahnar  points. 
(Oto  and  MisHouri  I.) 

Yewl.     See  C'lotliillif.    (DakotalY.) 

Vain. 

Cannot  be  se|»arated  from  Proii«l,  Pride.    (Ihthota  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  niyn, — Move  the  tln^er^<  of  botli  hands  up  and  (b>wn. 

{ZvUjier.) 

l'ui'se.i)roud. 


Italian  siyn. — IJotli  liands  stuck  in  tlie  pocket.     {BaUartl.) 

Yeriiiiiiion.    See  f^oior. 

Tillafft^  (Indian).     (Compare  Kettle.) 

Place  tiie  o|)eu  tiiuinb  and  tbrellnffcr  of  eacii  liand  opposite  to  eacli 
other,  as  if  to  make  a  circle,  but  leavin^j  between  them  a  small  interval ; 
afterward  move  tiieuj  from  al)ove  downward  simidtaneously.  (  Wivil.) 
There  is  no  similarity  in  exeiMition  of  the  {(Ho  and  Misnouri  1)  sif;u  and 
that  of  WieiTs,  nor  in  their  cronception,  as  the  villaj^e  is  not  surrounded 
by  a  stockade.  {lioteler.)  The  villa j^es  of  the  tribes  with  winch  the 
autluu-  was  lonj-est  resident,  particularly  the  Mandaus  and  Arikaras, 
were  surrounded  by  a  strong  circular  stockade,  spaces  «)r  breaks  in  the 
circle  bein^j  left  f()r  entrance  or  exit. 

Repetitions  of  the  sign  for  Lod{j;e,  or  that  sign  and  that  for  .^Iniiy* 

{Arapaho  I.) 

Partly  extend  tlie  tips  of  fingers  of  both  hands,  slightly  cross  the 
hands  perpendicular  in  front  of  breast,  then  describe  a  circle  by  a  slight 
circular  move  of  the  hands  and  wrists,  i)alms  inside,  ami  drop  the  hands 
a  little,  and  in  both  descriptions  jtoint  to  the  direction  of  the  village, 
and  repeat  several  times  the  form  sign  within  reach  of  the  arms  aiul 
hand  when  a  village  is  described,  and  but  once  if  only  one  house  is  to 
be  described,  saying  ir(y/-/rrtwj .'     (OJihtra  IV,) 

First  make  the  sign  for  liOdge.  tipi,  and  then  the  sign  for 
ITIany.    {Dalota  l,l\.)    "Many  tipis." 

The  arms  are  elevated  and  the  hands  approximated  at  the  finger  tips 
before  the  face  ;  the  hands  and  arms  then  diverge  from  poiius  of  ccm- 
tact  to  form  the  triangular  representation  of  the  wigwam  door;  the 
sign  for  wigwam  or  house  being  thus  completed,  the  right  fist,  in  type- 
position  (A),  marks  the  same  successively  around  the  subject's  ])08ition 
on  the  ground.  (Oto  and  Misnonri  1.)  "Many  houses  collected  in  one 
locality." 


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Corporation 


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278 

Raise  both  liaiids  to  a  position  in  front,  a  little  to  right  of  the  face, 
fingers  extended,  pointing  upward,  palms  facing  each  other  (R  1,  right 
and  left).  Then,  witli  zigzag  movement,  np  and  down,  pass  them  in  front 
of  face  to  left,  hands  say  five  inches  apart.  (Sahaptin  I.)  "Village — 
things  standing  on  ground." 

White  man's. 


Repetition  of  sign  for  Hoilwe,  also  that  sign  and  the  sign  for  iTIaiiy. 

(Arapaho  1.) 

Move  both  hands  with  two  motions,  first  back  of  left  toward  palm 
right,  about  twelve  inches  apart,  then  forming  a  right  angle  forming  a 
Sipiare  representing  the  four  sides  of  a  house  ;  tluiii  place  the  hands, 
thumbs  under  so  as  to  show  a  cover,  as  a  roof  of  a  house,  and  pronounc- 
ing Wif/icam.     {Ojihiva  1.) 

The  sign  for  White  man  is  i»retixed  to  that  for  Villag'e.  {Da- 
kota I.)     "  Many  white  men's  houses," 

Make  the  sign  for  Hoiif^e,  and  then  the  sign  for  iTIail}'.  {Dakota 
IV.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Yillag^e,  followed  by  tliat  for  White  man. 

{Sahaptin  I.) 

Outline  with  extended  hands  (T  on  edg<i)  the  vertical  walls  and 
peaked  roof;  also  between  earth  and  roof  pass  the  hand  (X  reversed), 
horizontally,  indicating  house  divided  into  two  stories;  dimensions 
large;  wave  hands  about  horizontally,  level  of  chin,  palms  down  (W^), 
great  extent  of  town.     {Apache  III.) 

Volley. 

The  two  hands  as  in  sign  for  dMiarge  of  a  tleadly  missile,  are  held  in 
front,  a  few  inches  apart  and  directed  toward  one  another,  then  the  fin- 
gers are  suchleidy  straightened  as  in  the  same  sign  ;  this  may  be  repeated 
to  represent  the  volleys  of  contending  forces,  and  each  haiid  may  nnike 
its  sign  simultaneously  or  alternately  with  the  other.  {Mandan and  Hi- 
datsa  I.) 


W^aK'on. 

RoUiiand  over  hand,  imitating  a  wheel. 


[Burton.) 


T\w  right  hand,  with  fingers  closed  (fist  B),  is  rotated  at  the  right 
side  of  the  body.     {Dakota  I.)     "From  the  motion  of  the  wIuh^Is." 

IJotli  hands  held  in  front  of  the  body,  the  fingers  extended,  the  right 
fingers  pointing  to  the  left,  the  left  fingers  to  the  right,  the  tips  of  the 
fingtus  opposite  the  wrist  of  the  oi)posite  hainl,  the  hands  about  six 
inches   apart,  both  palms  toward  the  body.     By  a  movement  of  the 


279 

elbows,  rotate  the  hands  over  each  other  to  the  front,  like  a  revolving 
wheel.     (Dukota  III.) 

Place  both  hands,  palms  backward,  at  the  height  of  the  shonlders  and 
a  little  in  front  of  them,  or  place  them  near  the  sides  of  the.  body,  flex 
both  forefingers  and  tlumbs  until  their  ends  are  about  an  inch  apart, 
the  other  fingers  nearly  closed,  then  throw  the  hands  forward  several 
times,  each  time  bringing  the  ends  of  the  thumbs  and  forefingers  togeth- 
er, to  imitate  the  rotation  of  wheels.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Both  arms  are  flexed  at  a  right  angle  before  thecliest;  the  hands 
then  assume  type-position  (L),  modified  by  the  index-finger  being  hooked 
and  middle  finger  partly  opened  and  hooked  similarly ;  the  hands  are 
held  horizontally  and  rotated  forward  side  by  side  to  imitate  two 
wheels,  ])alnis  iipward.  {Oto  and  Missonri  I.)  "The  erect  wagon- 
standard  and  curved  rolling  wheel." 

Both  hands  closed  in  front  of  the  body,  about  four  inches  apart,  with 
forefingers  and  thumbs  approximating  half  circles,  i)alm8  toward  the 
gnmnd,  move  forward  slowly  in  short  circiles.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche 
III;  ApacIieU;  Wichita  II.)     "  Wheels  and  revolving  motion  forward.'' 

Swing  the  forefingers  of  each  hand  around  each  other,  representing 
the  wheel  running.     (Sahaptin  I.) 

(1)  Circle  botii  thumbs  and  indices,  and  hold  them  parallel ;  (2)  place 
these  circles  with  slight  emphasis  in  two  places;  (■'5)  seize  left  circle 
with  right  thumb  and  index  and  move  right  hand  as  if  removing  it; 
(4)  dip  right  index  downward;  (5)  sweep  it  around  exteiuled  left  index; 
('))  remake  left  circle.  {Apache  III.)  "(l)Two  wheels;  (2)  capable  of 
progression;  (,'3)  took  ott' one  wheel;  (4)  dipped  up  grease;  (o)  greased 
axle;  ((»)  put  on  wheel  again."  This  probably  means  more  than  the 
simple  idea  of  "  wagon." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign. — An  up  aiul-down  motion  of  the  bent  amis  in 
imitation  of  a  nuui  riding  on  horseliack,  and  moving  the  fingers  in  cir- 
cles to  denote  the  motion  of  the  wheels.     {Ballard.) 

Wait. 

Australian  nign. — "Minnie-minnie."  (Wait  a  little) — Hand  with  fin- 
gers half  clinched,  between  type-positions  (A)  and  (D),  thumb  straight, 
shaken  downward  rapidly  two  or  three  times.  Done  more  slowly,  to- 
ward the  ground,  it  means  Sit  down.     {Smyth.) 

l¥ant,  To. 

Curve  the  index,  and  bring  it  in  a  curve  downward  toward  the  mouth, 
past  it,  and  forward  from  the  breast  a  short  distance.  {Kaiowa  II  ; 
Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;    Wichita  II.) 


li 

1 

4 

^i| 

I'll; 

r 


fih- 


B7>i 


280 
W<ai*.    See  Battle. 

To  declare. 

First  make  the  sign  tor  Battle,  and  then  the  sign  for  iUarching: 
or  Travelllli;^.  Of  course  Indians  do  not  make  any  formal  declai  ution 
of  war,  and  the  above  sij? ti  would  be  rendered  ffoimf  to  battle,  going  to 
fight.     (Daliota  I.)     "  From  fighting,  battle." 

War-path,  On  the. 

With  its  index  at  a  riglit  angle  with  the  palm,  and  pointing  toward 
the  left,  its  tlnnnb  extended  and  ui)right,  back  of  hand  forward  and 
outward,  the  other  tiiigers  closed,  move  the  right  hand  rapidly  forward 
about  a  foot  from  Just  in  front  of  the  right  shoulder.  (Daliota  IV.) 
"  The  thumb  chasing  the  index." 

IVariii.     (Comi)are  Bot.) 

Draw  the  hand  across  the  forehead  as  if  wi])ing  oft'  tlie  perspiration. 
{A2)ache  II.) 

lVa$«h. 

Rub  the  hand  as  with  invisible  soap  in  imperceptible  water.     (Burton.) 

Back  of  left  hand  briskly  rubbed  with  palm  of  right.     (Cheyenne  I.) 

Precisely  the  same  as  though  washing  the  face  with  both  hands  with 
water  contained  in  a  wasli-basin,  about  the  height  of  the  stomach. 
(Daliotn  I.)     "From  the  act  of  wasliir"-." 

Water.    (Compare  Drinking'.) 

The  hand  formed  into  a  bowl  and  brought  up  to  the  mouth,  passing  a 
little  upward  without  toucliing  the  mouth.     (Dunbar.) 

The  hand  is  partially  clinched,  so  as  to  have  something  of  a  cup- 
shajie,  and  the  opening  between  tlie  thumb  and  linger  is  raised  to  the 
moutli  and  contiiuied  above  it.     (Long.) 

Oi)en  the  right  hand  and  pass  it  before  the  mouth  from  above  down- 
ward.    ( Wied.) 

Wave  the  right  hand,  held  open,  palm  to  the  mouth,  as  if  about  to 
hold  the  mouth  shut,  lick  the  palm  of  the  hand  with  the  tongue,  moving 
the  hand  from  above  downward  on  the  tongue.     (Burton.) 

Present  the  hollowed  hand,  cup  shaped,  other  fingers  aud  thumb 
closed,  back  of  the  hand  down.     (Arapaho  I.) 

A  hollow  hand,  with  the  motion  of  drawing  water.     (Ojibxca  1.) 

Eight  hand  flat  and  slightly  arched  or  curved ;  pass  it  downward 
before  the  face  from  the  forehead  to  the  chin,  palm  inward.  (Abaarolia 
I;  iShoshoni  and  Banak  I.)     "To  wash  the  face." 


Ill' 


.iliil 


281 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Drinking^  or  for  River,  whicli  of  course 
includes  water,     (Dakota  I,) 

I'lace  tlie  right  liaiul  upright  six  oreiglit  incites  in  front  of  (he  mouth, 
bade  outward,  index  and  tluimb  croo'ced,  and  their  ends  about  an  inch 
apart,  tlie  other  fingers  nearly  clos'jd  ;  move  it  toward  the  montli,  and 
then  downward  nearly  to  the  top  of  the  breastbone,  at  the  same  time 
turn  the  hand  over  toward  the  niauth  until  the  little  finger  is  upper- 
most.    (Dakota  IV.)     "Carrying  f;  cup  to  the  mouth  and  emptying  it." 

C(jllect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point,  and  bring 
them  to  the  mouth,  palm  up.     ( Wyandot  I.) 

Place  the  fiat  right  hand  before  the  face,  pointing  ui)ward  and  forward, 
the  back  forward  with  the  wrist  as  high  as  the  nose;  then  draw  it  down- 
ward and  inward  toward  the  chin.  (Kainwal;  Comanche  III;  Apache 
II ;  Wichita  II.)  "  From  the  former  custom  of  drinking  with  the  bowl- 
shaped  hand." 

Pass  the  extended  fiat  right  hand  downward  before  the  face,  fingers 
to  the  left  and  back  forward.  (Shoshonl  and  Banak  I.)  "From  the 
manner  in  which  it  is  used  in  washing  the  face." 

Deaf-mute  natural  sir/ n.— liaise  and  depress  the  hand  in  imitation  of 
a  man  handling  a  pump,  and  move  the  hand  to  the  mouth  and  raise  the 
head  in  imitation  of  the  act  of  drinking.     (Ballard.) 

A  drink  of. 

Make  sign  for  Brings ;  fingers  still  crooked  as  in  sign  for  .llany, 
brought  over  forward  from  the  mouth  with  sudden  downward  curve. 
(Cheyenne  I.) 

Spring  of. 


(1)  Hold  the  hands  down,  thumbs  and  indices  widely  separated,  as  if 
inclosing  a  round  object  twenty  inches  across ;  (2)  trace  a  serpentine  line 
from  it  with  finger  tip.     (Apache  III.)     "(1)  A  spring;  (2)  a  rivulet." 

ITateriiielonii^,  f§qiia»«lie!i),  and  IIii!!(kiiielon§. 

Pantomimically  expressed  by  illustrating  their  form  on  the  ground, 
and  according  to  size  for  specific  designation,     ( Ute  I.) 

IVeak,  IVeakness. 

Left  hand  is  held  in  front  of  the  body  about  a  foot,  hand  horizontal, 
fingers  extended  and  pointing  toward  the  right,  back  of  hand  outward 
(S  I),  and  the  right  hand  (S  1)  is  passed  from  the  right  breast  forward 
by  the  left,  with  the  fingers  pointing  straight  outward,  back  of  hand 
toward  the  right,  and  then  the  right  hand  carried  directly  out  toward 
the  right  side  of  the  body.  (Dakota  I.)  "  No;  no  go ;  cannot  go  ;  am 
weak,  sickly." 
36 


!t''!"«l, 


l^lill 


'Ilk 


'tf  '! 


282 

l¥ell,  Good  Health. 

Have  a  siuiliiifi^  coiiiitenaiice,  raise  both  IuiiuIh  quickly  to  lower  part 
of  face  and  mouth  as  if  in  the  act  of  eating,  shake  and  gently  touch  the 
breast  and  body,  as  hands  descend  in  front,  sejjarate  over  the  abdomen 
with  quivering  motion,  then  move  both  hands  outward,  raise  hands 
quickly,  back  of  hands  above,  stand  erect  and  throw  chest  forward. 
(Ojibwa  lY.) 

Palms  of  both  hands,  fingers  extended,  touch  the  body  over  the 
breast,  stomach,  abdomen,  &c.,  and  then  make  the  sign  for  Good. 
{Dakota  I.)     "  Body  is  all  good ;  I  am  well." 

The  arms  are  passed  tremblingly  up  the  sides  of  the  body,  then  the 
extended  indices  are  made  to  press  the  temples,  the  countenance  as- 
suming all  the  while  a  visage  of  distress;  the  sign  for  ^ick  being 
thus  completed  the  hand  is  thrown  open  negatively  from  the  body  to 
indicate  eini)hatically — no  sickness.  (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "Not  sick 
or  in  distress." 

IVeep,  To;  To  Cry. 

The  forefinger  of  each  hand  extended,  carried  to  its  respective  eye,  back 
of  hand  outward,  all  fingers  but  the  index  closed,  carry  the  fingers  down 
the  face  as  though  following  tlie  course  of  the  tear-drops.  [Dakota  I.) 
"  From  the  dropi)ing  of  the  tears." 

Make  the  sign  for  Rain,  but  in  so  doing  hold  the  backs  of  the  pend- 
ent fingers  toward  the  face,  and  drop  the  hand  repeatedly  from  the  eyes 
downward.  (  Ute  I.)  "  Literally,  '  eye-rain ;'  drops  of  water  from  the 
eyes." 

Sign  for  Water  made  from  eyes.    {Cheyenne  I.) 

Deaf-mute  natural  sign, — Kub  the  eye  with  the  back  of  the  hand  as 
children  do  when  crying.     (Ballard.) 

l¥liat  I  W^hat  do  you  nay  ?    See  Question. 

Wlieat.    (Compare  CSrass.) 

Same  sign  as  for  lirrass,  begun  near  the  ground,  and  gradually  and 
interruptedly  elevated  to  the  height  of  about  three  feet.    ( Ute  I.) 

When  {    See  4|iiestion. 

W^lience  come  you  f 

First  the  sign  for  Yon,  then  the  hand  extended  open  and  drawn  to 
the  breast,  and  lastly  the  sign  for  Bring'ing;.     {Dunbar.) 

Where? 

With  its  back  upward  and  index  pointing  forward,  carry  the  right 


283 

han»i  from  left  to  rif^ht  about  eight  inches,  raising  and  lowering  it 
several  times  while  so  doing,  as  if  quickly  pointing  at  different  objects. 
{Dakota  IV.) 

Whiskey. 

Make  the  sign  for  Bad  and  Drink,  for  "bad  water."    (Burton.) 

Sign  for  IVatei*  and  Fire.     (Chei/entie  1.) 

Another:  Sign  for  Bl'in;;^,  and  right-hand  fingers  outspread,  tips 
pointing  upward,  shaken  before  forelie<id  with  wave  of  head  to  indicate 
unsteadiness.     [Cheyenne  I.) 

First  make  the  sign  for  Drinkinjj;^,  and  then  the  sign  for  Fool. 
{Dakota  I.)     "Very  expressive." 

The  right  arm  is  Hexed  and  elevated,  the  right  hand  approaches  the 
chest  in  typei)osition  (CiJ  1),  modified  by  being  held  edge  up.  The  hand 
thus  seemingly  grasping  a  bottle  is  passed  semicircularly  upward  to- 
ward, then  to  the  mouth  and  from  it,  the  head  receding.  The  hand 
then  fidls  to  the  side,  and  tlu^  head  inclining  to  eitiier  side  is  swayed  to 
and  fro,  indicative  of  lost  eipiilibrium.  {Oto  and  Missouri  L)  "Some- 
thing drunk  that  stupefies  the  senses." 

Deaf-mute  natural  .svV/h. — liaise  the  hand,  fingers  ])laced  together,  to- 
ward the  nu)uth,  and  shake  the  body  to  and  fro  sidewise.     {Larson.) 

White.    See  Color. 

Wiiite  Ulan;  American. 

Place  the  open  index-finger  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  toward  the 
face,  then  i)ass  it  to  the  right  in  front  of  the  forehead  to  indicate  the 
hat.  (Wicd.)  Still  used  to  some  extent.  {Matthews.)  There  is  a  plain 
and  evident  similarity  in  both  execution  and  conception  in  the  {Oto  I) 
sign  and  Wied^s.     {Boteler.) 

The  sign  for  Trade  also  denotes  the  Americans,  and,  indeed,  any 
white  men,  who  are  generally  called  by  the  Indians  west  of  the  Kocky 
Mountains  "Shwop,"from  our  "swap"  or  "swop."  {Burton.)  This  is 
a  legacy  from  the  traders  who  were  the  first  representatives  of  what 
used  to  be  called  the  Caucasian  race,  met  by  the  Indians. 

A  finger  passed  across  the  forehead.     {Macgoican.) 

Indicate  upon  the  forehead  with  the  hand  the  supposed  line  of  contact 
of  a  hat.     {Arapaho  1.)     "  Literally,  '  the  hat- wearers.' " 

Hold  one  hand  horizontally  over  the  forehead.  {Sac,  Fox  and  Kicka- 
poo  I.) 


'I'll 


m 

I,  liin 


m 


f 


284 

The  extended  forertnger  of  the  right  hand  (1?I,  tnrned  inward)  is 
drawn  from  the  left  side  of  tlie  liead  around  in  front  to  the  right  side, 
about  on  a  line  with  the  brim  of  the  hat,  with  back  of  hand  outward. 
(Dakota  I.)    "From  the  wearing  of  a  hat." 

Draw  the  oi)ened  right  hand  horizontally  from  left  to  right  across  the 
forehead  a  little  above  the  eyebrows,  the  back  of  the  hand  to  be  upward 
and  the  fingers  pointing  toward  the  left.  Or,  close  all  the  lingers  except 
the  index,  and  draw  it  across  the  forehead  in  the  same  manner.  (Da- 
kota IV.)     "  From  the  hats  worn  by  the  whites." 

Close  the  right  hand,  and  draw  the  back  of  the  thumb  horizontally 
across  the  forehead  from  left  to  right.     (Hidatm  1 ;  Arikara  I.) 

The  right  ami  is  raised  and  the  hand  assuming  position  (II),  index 
not  entirely  closed  but  loosely  hooked,  is  then  drawn  across  the  fctre- 
head  in  a  line  corresponding  to  the  hat  mark.  The  Indians  wearing 
generally  a  riulely  constructed  turban  would  most  likely  select  the  sign 
for  hat  to  distinguish  the  white  man,  from  its  being  his  universal  head- 
dress.    (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)     »'  The  nuin  that  wears  the  hat." 

Point  to  the  eye  with  the  index,  then  place  the  half-closed  liands, 
palms  toward  the  forehead,  over  the  eyes  and  pass  them  downward  over 
the  cheeks  and  forward  toward  the  chin.  (  Wyandot  I.)  "Stated  to  be 
based  ujion  the  fact  of  the  generally  gray  or  light  eyes  of  Americans  first 
seen,  followed  by  the  sign  tor  Pei'Mon." 

Pass  the  palmar  surface  of  the  fully  extended  and  separated  thumb 
and  index  of  the  right  hand  across  the  forehead  from  left  to  right. 
Although  this  is  the  essence  of  the  gesture,  numerous  slight  varia- 
tions or  abbreviations  occur.  Frequently  the  extended  index  oidy  is 
drawn  across  the  forehead ;  sometimes  the  thumb  is  placed  against 
the  right  temple  as  a  support  for  the  hand,  as  the  index  is  drawn 
across  to  it.  The  hand  and  arm  may  be  placed  in  almost  any  position, 
as  it  does  not  form  an  essential  feature  in  expressing  the  idea.  The  left 
hand  has  also  been  used  in  instances  when  the  right  was  engaged,  as 
in  holding  a  pipe  while  smoking,  or  from  other  causes.  (Kaioica  I ; 
Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  II.)  "The  line  at  which  the  hat 
rests  against  the  forehead." 

Eaise  right  hand  to  side  of  head,  arched,  thumb  and  fingers  horizon- 
tal, pointing  to  tenii)le  (H  1)  then  pass  hand  in  that  position  over  the 
forehead,  at  same  time  turning  head  to  right.  (Sahajjtin  I.)  "Man 
with  hat." 

Place  the  extended  and  separated  index  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand, 
palm  downward,  across  the  right  side  of  the  forehead.     (Pai-Ute  I.) 


285 

Imitate  the  stroking  of  chin  whiskers,  then  place  the  back  of  tlie  wrist 
against  the  chin,  allowing  the  spread  fingers  and  thnmb  to  point  forward 
and  downward.     ( Ute  I.) 

Another :  Draw  the  radial  side  of  the  extended  index  across  the  fore- 
head from  left  to  right.     ( TJte  I.) 

Make  the  sign  for  ]?Ian;  place  the  hands  on  face;  touch  tent-cloth 
or  some  other  white  object,  point  to  the  hands.  {Apache  III.)  "  Man 
with  white  face  or  hands." 

Another:  Hand  turned,  tips  down  under  chin  (Q).  {Apache  III.) 
'  Bea  rd ;  the  Mescaleros  being  beardless." 

Deaf-mutes  generally,  in  especial  the  French,  make  the  "hat"  sign 
for  man  as  distinguished  from  tcoman. 

l¥ic*ked.    See  Bad  heart. 

Wide.     See  nig  in  the  sense  of  wide. 

l¥if'e.    See  Husband,  Relationf^liip,  and  CoiiipariMon. 
l¥ig:waiii.    See  Lod^e. 

Wild. 

The  hands  in  front  of  their  respected  breasts,  with  fingers  and  tliumbs 
extended,  separated  and  pointing  downward,  backs  of  hands  outward, 
are  quickly  carried  outward  with  a  tremulous  motion  of  all  the  fingers, 
and  as  the  hands  are  carried  outward  increase  the  distance  between 
them,  i.  e.,  carry  the  hands  out  obliquely.  {Dakota  I.)  "  Probably  from 
the  movements  of  some  kinds  of  game  on  being  surprised." 

"Wind  (air  in  motion).    Air. 

Eight  hand  held  perpendicularly  upward  and  brought  forward  with  a 
tremulous  or  vibratory  motion  until  it  passes  beyond  the  face.     {Dunbar.) 

Stretch  the  fingers  of  both  hands  outward,  puffing  violently  the  while. 
{Burton.) 

Indicate  with  the  extended  hand  its  direction  and  force,  and  emit  a 
whistling  sound.     {Arapaho  I.) 

Both  hands  held  up  carelessly  before  the  body,  fingers  naturally 
extended,  swept  suddenly  with  downward  and  upward  curve  to  the 
left.     {Cheyenne  i.) 

Bight  hand  with  the  fingers  slightly  separated,  upright  palm  forward 
or  outward  (R),  is  carried,  held  in  this  position,  from  behind  the  body, 
by  the  right  side  of  the  head,  to  the  front  of  the  body,  on  the  same  level 


1.::  t^ 


I ,,  I 


286 


W 


§■■■ 


aa  far  as  the  arm  can  bo  tixttMulcd,  and  at  tln^  .same,  make  witli  th« 
montli  a  sound  in  loseniblance  to  tlio  wliistlin;;  of  the  wind.  {Dakota  1.) 
"From  the  \vhistlin<;of  air  in  motion  swiftly  by  a  person." 

Make  short,  rajtid,  vertical  vibrations  of  tiie  hand,  spread  and  jtalm 
down  (W^),  sweepin^j;  it  from  beiiind  forward,  about  iu'itjht  of  waist ; 
aeeompanied  by  a  whizziii;;  sound  from  tln^  moutii.     {Apnche  III.) 

Dmf  mute  H^f^/ovi/^/f/Hv.  — niowtlirou;>h  tiie  lips  and  move  the  uplifted 
hand  horizontally.     [liuUard.) 

Blow  the  air  from  the  mouth,  and  then  move  the  stretched  Inmd  in 

a  lint'  before  tlie  breast.     {Fjiirson.) 

WillttM*.     (('ompare  Cold.) 

Ashrinkinjf,  sliiveriii}; condition;  move  as  if  drawiiifjablaidvetaronnd 
the  head  and  shoulders,  then  move  both  hands  above  the  head,  shakiuf^ 
the  hand  as  in  the  case  of  Fallill^' leavCM ;  brin^j;  the  hands  (tin;;erM 
down)  toward  the  fii'oiiiid  and  undulate  tluMU  near  the  {^round ;  then 
with  the  right  hand  indicate  the  depth  and  level  of  the  snow ;  pro- 
iiouiico  the  luime  of  snow,  Occone.     {Ojibicn  IV.) 

Make  the  sij^n  for  Cold,  and  then  for  Snow.  (Dakota  I.)  "Cold 
weather — the  season  of  snow." 

Shake  the  upright  nearly  (tlosed  hands  back  and  forth  several  times 
in  front.  '»f  the  shoulders  as  if  shivering,  palnis  inward  ;  then  susi)end 
the  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  shoulders,  backs  forward,  fingers 

sepan  .  ami  bent  a  little,  and  pointing  downward,  and  move  all  the 
fingers  as  if  shaking  something  from  them,  or  approximate  and  separate 
the  ends  once  or  several  tinu's,  and  while  doing  so,  each  time  throw  the 
hands  downward  about  eight  inches.      ( Dakota  IV.)      "  Cold  and  snow." 

Make  the  signs  for  Rain,  Deep,  and  Cold.     (Dakota  VI.) 

Make  the  sign  for  Rain  with  both  hands,  then  pass  the  hands  with 
palms  down  horizontally  to  the  right  and  left  before  the  lower  part  of  the 
body.     (Dakota  VI;  Hidatsa  I;  Arikara  I.)     "  Precipitation  and  depth." 

Both  hands  in  jtosition  (A)  tremble  before  the  breast.  This  being 
enacted,  the  hands  of  the  subject  are  extended,  the  arms  likewise  on  a 
level  with  shoulders  pointing  to  the  horizon,  both  hands  now  describe 
the  arc  subtending  the  (piadrant  of  the  horizon  until  they  meet  over  the 
Lead.    (Oto  and  Missouri  I.)     "  When  cold  days  spread  over  us." 

Same  sign  as  for  Cold.  (Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II; 
Wichita  II.) 

Bring  both  lists  together  in  front  of  the  breast  as  if  drawing  together 
the  edges  of  a  blanket.    (Apache  I.) 


287 

Wi«e. 

Hiiisu  the  ri(?lit  liaiid  luid  fiiijiers,  {j;eiitl.v  tap  tin;  forchoad  over  the 
right  eye,  and  pass  Niekward  ah)iigsi<le  of  head  with  three  or  four  taps 
of  <iiif,q'rs  on  head.     {Ojihmt   \V.)     "  Probably  iiitiinatiu},'  a  level  head.'" 

ToiKih  tlio  forehead  witli  tiie  riglit  inch^x  and  then  make  the  sign  for 
Bif?  directly  in  front  of  it.     (Dakota  I.)     "  Hig  brain." 

Touch  the  side  of  the  head  with  the  Hat  right  iiand,  then  elevate  the 
hand  toward  the  sky.     (Wyandot  I.)     "  Superior  in  intelligence." 

Tap  the  forehead  with  the  index,  and  make  the  sign  for  !i|ieuk. 

(Apache  I.) 

liViNli;  (leNirr  orpoMMCMwion. 

Hook  the  foretinger  over  the  nose.     (Arapaho  T.) 

Uiglit  hand,  witii  thiiinb  and  foretinger  extended,  is  brought  upward 
in  front  of  the  body,  witii  the  back  of  the  hand  outward,  thumb  and 
fori'liiiger  pointing  toward  the  left,  to  the  level  of  the  breast,  when  the 
hand  is  quickly  thrown  u|)ward,  outward,  and  then  slightly  downward, 
/.  e.,  on  a  curve,  so  that  the  hand  is  horizontal  with  the  palm  ui)\vard. 
(Dakota  I.)     "  I  like  it,  wish  it." 

^Voir.     (Compare  Dotf.) 
Same  sign  as  for  lHo^.     (Oto  I.) 

I  |riace  the  right  hand,  fingers  joined  and  extended,  above  the  mouth, 
pointing  downward  and  forward.     ( Ute  1.)     "  Long  nose." 

1¥oiiiaii.    (Compare  Female.) 

The  finger  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand,  partly  open,  and  placed  as  if 
laying  hold  of  the  breast.     (Ihinhar.) 

The  hands  are  passed  from  the  top  down  each  side  of  the  head,  indi- 
cating the  parting  of  the  hair  on  the  top,  ami  its  flowing  down  each  aide. 
(Long.) 

Pass  the  palm  of  the  extended  hand  downward  over  tho  hair  on  the 
side  of  the  head,  or  downward  over  the  cheeks.  (  Wied.)  Same  as  my 
description,  but  less  ])recise.  (Matiheics.)  The  arms  were  flexed  and 
the  hands,  flst-like,  held  at  either  side  iu  the  i)osition  of  the  female 
mammary  glands,  then  sweeps  semicircularly  downward.  There  is  no 
appreciable  similarity  in  this  sign  and  Wied's,  the  conception  and  execu- 
tion of  which  are  wholly  ditterent.  (Botelcr.)  "One  with  prominent 
mamraic,  who  can  bring  forth  young." 

Pass  the  hand  down  both  sides  of  the  head,  as  if  smoothing  or  strok- 
ing the  long  hair.     (Burton.) 


mu 


i'"  I 


^.  5i 


288 

A  fliiffer  directed  towiud  the  breast.     (Macj/oivun.) 

Turn  tlie  ri;jlit  hand  about  the  riffht  ear,  as  if  puttinjj:  the  hair  behind 
it.     (hoduc.) 

Draw  tiie  hand,  tlie  lingers  separate  and  partially  eh)sed,  palm  toward 
the,  cheek,  d(»wnward,  as  ol'conibinji  tlu'  hair.     (Ardpnho  I.) 

Kif,Mit-haiid  liiifj^ers  clos«i  tojicther,  thumb  lyiuK  alonfj  basal  joint  of 
foretin;;er,  placed  al>ove  the  top  and  side  of  the  head,  bent  and  sud- 
deidy  brought  down  and  outward  to  the  level  and  right  of  shoulder, 
linj;er  ends  still  bent  in  towanl  the  latter.  {('Iin/cnne  I.)  "To  exi)res8 
sliortness  as  compared  with  man." 

I'ass  the  i)alm  oiu-e  down  tiie  face  and  tlu^  whole  body.  {(Ijihira  1.) 
"The  louy,  waving'  dresses  [sic\  or  the  graceful  cont(»ur  of  the  female 
body." 

Hold  the  hands  cup  shaped  over  each  breast.  {Sac,  Fox,  and  Kicka- 
poo  1.) 

Pass  the  extended  and  flat  right  liand,  back  forward  and  outward, 
from  the  side  of  the  crown  (h)wnward  toward  the  shoulder  and  forward. 
(Abmroka  I;  Slwshoni  and  lianuk  1.)     "  Keinesents  the  long  hair." 

Tiie  right  hand  brought  to  tiie  top  of  the  head  atid  then  carried  out 
sidewise  toward  tlie  right  and  downward  as  though  drawing  a  comb 
through  the  long  hair  of  a  woman's  head.     ( Dakota  I.)     "  Long  hair." 

Kightliaiid  fingers  extended  and  Joined  (as  in  T),  horizontal,  held  on 
the  left  side  of  the  face,  the  fingers  jiointing  to  the  rear,  the  tliumb 
grasping  and  sliding  downward  to  represent  stroking  the  long  l)raided 
hair  of  a  squaw.     {J>akota  III.) 

With  the  right  hand,  back  forward,  fingers  sliglitly  flexed  and  joined, 
thumb  close  to  index,  the  little  finger  near  the  head,  make  a  motion  as 
if  brushing  the  hair  behind  the  ear  by  moving  the  hand  backward  and 
downward  through  an  arc  of  about  six  inches.  {Dakota  IV.)  "The 
women  wear  the  h.air  behind  the  ears  and  plaited." 

Pass  the  flat  right  hand,  palm  of  extended  fingers  resting  near  the 
right  side  of  the  crown,  and  downward  and  to  the  front  of  the  collar- 
bone.    {Dakota  VI.)     "  Represents  long  hair." 

The  extended  hands,  palms  backward,  and  pointing  upward  and  in- 
ward, are  held  each  near  the  teini)le  of  the  same  side.  They  are  then 
swept  simultaneously  downward  a  foot  or  two.  {Mandan  and  Hidatsa 
I.)  "This  is  to  indicate  the  mode  of  dressing  the  hair  most  common 
with  women — a  braid  on  each  side." 


2S9 

Both  liiiiids  ai'«  l)roii{;lit  to  a  position  i!orr(!.si)oii(liiig  with  female 
inarniiiio.  TIh-  hands  ar«  loosely  ciincluMl  as  in  type  (F)  and  laid 
loosely  a}jainst  cliest  on  side  correspoiidin};  with  hand,  althont,'h  sorne- 
tinies  the  arms  are  crossed  and  hands  held  in  above  positions  (»n  oppo- 
site sides.  i?Iy  U'Ollinil  is  exjjressed  by  lai>i>in;j  the  left  breast  by 
point  ol'  riH;ht  index-tinj^er  in  addition  to  above.  {Oto  I.)  "A  position 
indicative  of  feiualt^  mamma'  and  connnbial  embrace." 


Pass  the  extended  and  tiat  ri^^ht  hand,  flnjjers  joined,  from  the  side 
of  the  crown  downward  and  forward  alonj;'  the  che(^k  to  the  front  (tf  the 
rijjht  side  of  tlie  neck,  tlie  tinners  pointinj,'  downward  at  termination  of 
motion,  lioth  hands  are  sometinu's  nsed.  {Kaiowa  I;  Comancke  III; 
Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

With  the  finjicrs  and  thnmb  of  the  ri};ht  hand  separated  and  jtartly 
bei  t  or  hooked,  i)ass  from  the  side  of  the  head  toward  the  front  of  the 
shonlder,  <<:radnaily  closing;'  the  hand  in  imitation  of  };atiierin^  and 
smoothiii};;  the  lock  of  hair  on  that  side.     {Pdi-lltc  1.) 

Touch  the  hair  on  the  side  of  the  head  with  the  fin<i;ers  of  the  right 
hand,  tiien  place  the  closed  hand  biffure  tlie  jmbis,  with  the  back  for- 
ward, index  and  second  Hnfjjers  extendc-l  and  sei)arated,  jminting  down- 
ward ;  place  the  thnmb  against  the  palm  so  that  the  tip  protrudes  a  little 
from  the  crotch  thus  formed  by  the  fingers.  {Ute  1.)  "  Fourciiette, 
glaus  elitoridis,  and  location  of." 

The  left  fore  and  second  fingers  are  extend(Ml  and  sei)avated,  the  re- 
maining fingers  closed;  the  thumb  is  then  jdaced  against  the  i)alm  in 
such  a  manner  that  the  tip  is  visible  in  the  crotch  formed  by  the  ex- 
tended fingers;  the  hand  is  tiien  i)laced  back  forward  in  this  position  at 
the  crotch.     (Apache  I.)     "  liesemblance  to  the  pudendum  mnliehre.''^ 

(1)  Two  fingers  held  downward  (Hf  reversed) ;  (2)  sweej)  hands  up 
near  legs  and  clasp  them  about  the  waist ;  (3)  sweep  hands  from  shoulder 
to  waist  loosely.  {Apache  III.)  (1)  "  Human  being  (2)  wearing  shirts 
and  (3)  loose  jackets." 

Deaf-mute  natural  aigns. — Take  hold  of  the  garment  at  the  side  below 
the  hip  and  shake  it  to  denote  the  skirt  of  a  woman's  dress.     {Ballard.) 

Point  the  hand  to  the  rear  side  of  the  head,  because  of  the  combs  the 
women  wear  as  ornameuts.     (Larson.) 

Instructed  deaf-mutes  generally  mark  the  line  of  the  bonnet-string 
down  the  check. 

Italian  sign. — Draw  the  hand  down  the  cheek  under  the  chin.  (But- 
ler.) 

37 


I.     I 


I'i   i 


wmm 


290 


• 


Old. 


Make  thu  RJ^ii  for  Woman,  aiid  tlicn  iiiiike  tlio  si^n  for  ProffTCM- 
Mion  H'ith  C^  .iitafl*.  {Dakota  IV.)  "  l*royreNsi«>n  of  a  woman  with  a 
Htaff," 

Younjj,  fjii'J- 


Make  the  sign  for  woman,  hands  held  in  the  same  position,  and 
broujjht  from  shoulder  downwanl  and  outward  in  proportion  to  the 
heifjht  of  the  «•»''•     (Cheijenuc  I.) 

Den/mutc  natural  si<pi. — Take  hold  of  an  imajfinary  fjarment  below  tlie 
thi{jh  and  shake  it,  and  place  the  hand  to  the  height  of  a  girl.    ( liallard.) 

Touch  the  right  ear  with  the  linger,  because  of  the  ear-rings  girls 
wear.     {Larnoti.) 

Wonder.    (Oomitare  Admiration  and  §nr|>riN(>.) 

Same  as  tiiu  sign  for  INi'jirpriMe.  Surprise  and  wonder  seem  to  go 
haiul  in  hand,  but  admiration  and  wonder  do  not  seem  to  he  necessarily 
coniuH^ted.     {Dakota  I.) 

rhice  right  hand  over  mouth,  the  thumb  being  on  the  right  and  the 
fingers  on  the  left  of  the  nose;  then  shrink  back.  {Omaha  I.)  The 
gesture  ot  placing  the  right  hand  before  the  mouth  is  seemingly  invol- 
untary with  us,  and  appears  also  in  the  ICgyptian  hieroglyphs. 

Deaf-mute  natural  sif/n. — I'art  the  lips,  raise  the  hand,  and  arch  tlie 
eyebrows,  each  action  in  a  sl«»w  manner,     {liallard.) 

Raise  apart  the  arms,  witli  the  liauds  open.    {Larson.) 

W^ood. 

Point  to  a  piece  of  wood  witli  right  index  extended.     ( Dakota  I.) 


As  work  is  a  general  term  i'or  manual  exertion,  the  indeflniteness  of 
this  sign  can  be  well  understood.  The  arms  and  hands  are  extended 
before  ttie  body,  tlit^  haiuls  in  typo-position  (/%.);  the  iiands  are  then 
graspingly  opened  and  shut  as  in  seizing  tlie  plow-handles;  the  closed 
hands  then  approximate  and  forcibly  strike  as  in  working  at  mechan- 
ical jnirsuits.  {Dto  and  Mmouri  I.)  "  Tlie  exertion  required  in  differ- 
ent kinds  of  labor.'' 


291 

HoM  both  flat  liiuids  (Mljfowiso  in  front  of  tlie  body,  tluunbs  up,  jjush 
forward  with  sudden  intorniptions,  iiteacii  niovcmout  drawing  back  tlio 
lir^ers  and  throwing  them  forward  at  every  rest.  {Kaiowa  I;  Coman- 
chelll;  Apaehcll',  Wichita  U.) 

Make  ii  sort  of  tnihl  };ras|)infj  nu)tion  with  both  hands  in  sevi^-al  di- 
rections downward.  {Apache  III.)  "Sugfjfestivo  of  industrial  activity, 
and  .suppU'niented  by  pantomime  of  sewinj;  or  clioppinju^,  if  not  promptly 
understood." 

Wrap,  To. 

The  left  Imnd  is  held  in  front  of  the  body,  hand  closed,  horizontal, 
back  u|)ward,  and  the  right  hand,  witli  lingers  in  position  as  though 
gras|»ing  sometiiing,  is  rotated  around  the  statioiniry  left.  {Dakota  I.) 
"  From  the  act  of  wrapping." 

Writing. 

The  act  of  writing  is  imitated  by  the  (inger  in  the  pivlm  of  the  opitosite 
hand.     {Jjonf/.) 

(1)  Left  hand  held  u|)  as  if  a  piece  of  i)aper;  (U)  motion  made  with 
right  hand  as  though  writing,     {('heifenno  1.) 

Tlu^  first  part  of  the  sign  for  Book.     {Dnkota  I.) 

Year. 

(live  the  sign  of  Kaill  or  ^iiiiow.     {Burton.) 

Sign  for  <!ol(l,  and  then  sign  for  CoillllillK'— *>ii<'.  {Dakota  I.) 
"One  winter." 

Deaf-mute,  natural  .sii/n. — Point  to  shirt  bosom  and  lower  the  extended 
fingers  to  signify  ««(>«',  then  raise  the  hand  to  denotti  the  height  or  dei>th 
of  the  snow,  and  then  depress  the  hands  to  signify  {/one.     {liallard.) 

V4>M.     Afliriliafioii.     If  In  mo.    (<  <)m]>are  liiood  and  Triifli.) 

The  motion  is  somewlial  likt^Trillll,but  tlie  linger  is  lield  rather  more 
ui)right,  and  is  ])assed  iu>arly  straiglit  tbrwanl  from  opposite  tlie  bn^ast, 
and  when  at  tin?  end  of  its  course  it  seems  gently  to  strike  sometiiing, 
though  with  a  rather  sU)w  and  not  suddenly  accelerated  nu)tion.    {Loiuj.) 

Wave  the  hands  straight  forward  from  the  face.  {Burton.)  Tiiis 
may  be  comjtared  with  the  forward  nod  connnou  ovim-  most  of  the  world 
for  assent,  but  that  gesture  is  net  univ<M'saI,  as  the  New  Zealanders 
olevat*  the  head  and  chin,  and  the  Turks  shake  the  head  somewhat  like 
our  negative.  Rev.  II.  B.  Ii.  Barnum^  Ilarpoot,  Turkey,  in  a  contribu- 
tion of  signs  received  after  the  foregoing  had  been  [)rinted,  denies  the 
latter  statement,  but  gives  Truth  as  "  gently  bowing,  with  head  in- 
clined to  the  right." 


hi 


292 

Another:  Wave  the  hand  from  the  mouth,  extending  the  thumb  from 
the  index  and  closing  the  other  three  fingers.    {Burton.) 

Ge8ti(!ulate  vertically  downward  and  in  front  of  the  body  with  the  ex- 
tended forefinger  (riglit  hand  usually),  the  remaining  fingers  and  thumb 
closed,  their  nails  down.     {Arapaho  I.) 

Eight  hand  elevated  to  the  level  and  in  front  of  the  shouldev,  two  first 
fingers  somewhat  extended,  thumb  resting  against  the  middle  finger; 
sudden  motion  in  a  curve  forward  and  downward.  [Cheyenne  I.)  "The 
correspondence  between  this  gesture  and  the  one  for  fitting',  seeming- 
ly indicates  that  the  origin  of  the  motion  for  Afiiriiiation  is  in  imita- 
tion of  resting,  or  settling  a  question." 

Same  as  the  sign  for  Truth.     {Daliota  I.)     " But  one  tongue." 

Extend  the  right  index,  the  thumb  against  it,  nearly  close  the  other 
fingers,  and  from  a  position  about  a  foot  in  front  of  the  right  breast, 
bend  the  hand  from  the  wrist  downward  until  the  eiul  of  the  index  has 
passed  about  six  inches  through  an  arc.  Some  at  the  same  time  move 
the  hand  forward  a  little.  [Dakota  lY.)  "A  nod;  the  hand  representing 
the  head  and  the  index  the  nose." 

Tlie  right  hand,  with  the  forefinger  (only)  extended  and  i)ointing  for- 
ward, is  held  before  and  near  tlie  chest.  It  is  then  moved  forward  one 
or  two  feet,  usually  with  a  slight  curve  downward.  [Mandan  and  Hi- 
datm  I.) 

Bend  the  right  arm,  pointing  toward  the  chest  with  the  index-finger. 
Unbend,  throwing  the  hand  up  and  forward.     [Omaha  1.) 

Another  :  Close  the  three  fingers,  close  the  thumb  over  them,  extend 
forefinger,  and  then  shake  forward  and  down.  This  is  more  emphatic 
than  the  preceding,  and  signifies,  Yes,l  know.     [Omaha  I.) 

The  right  arm  is  raised  to  head  with  the  index-finger  in  type-position 
(1 1),  modified  by  being  more  opened.  From  aside  the  head  the  hands 
sweep  in  a  curve  to  the  right  ear  as  of  something  entering  or  hearing 
something  ;  the  finger  is  then  more  opened  and  is  carried  direct  to  the 
ground  as  something  emphatic  or  direct.  [Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "'I 
hear,'  emphatically  symbolized." 

The  hand  open,  palm  downward,  at  the  level  of  the  breast,  is  moved 
forward  with  a  quick  downward  motion  from  the  wrist,  imitating  a  bow 
of  the  head.     [Iroquois  I.) 

Throw  the  closed  right  hand,  with  the  index  extended  and  bent,  as 
high  as  th«^  t'uce,  and  let  it  drop  again  naturally ;  but  as  the  hand  reaches 
its  greatest  elevation  the  iiulex  is  fully  exteiuled  and  suddenly  drawn 
in  to  the  palm,  the  gesture  resembling  a  beckoning  from  above  toward 
the  ground.    [Kaioical;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 


293 


Quick  motion  of  the  right  hand  forward  from  the  mouth ;  first  position 
about  six  inches  from  the  mouth  and  final  as  far  again  away.  In  first 
position  the  index-finger  is  extended,  the  others  closed;  in  final,  the 
index  loosely  closed,  thrown  in  that  position  as  the  hand  is  moved  for- 
ward, as  though  hookiug  something  with  it;  palm  of  hand  out.  (Sahap- 
tin  I.) 

Another:  Move  right  hand  to  a  position  in  front  of  the  body,  letting 
arm  hang  loosely  at  the  side,  the  thumb  standing  alone,  all  fingers 
hooked  except  forefinger,  which  is  partially  extended  (E  1,  with  fore- 
finger partially  extended,  palm  upward).  The  sign  consists  in  moving 
the  forefinger  from  its  partially  extended  position  to  one  similar  to 
the  others,  as  though  making  a  sly  motion  for  some  one  to  come  to  you. 
This  is  done  once  each  time  the  assent  is  made.  More  emphatic  tluin 
the  preceding.     {Sahaptin  L)     "We  are  together,  think  alike." 

Deaf-mute  natural  «(*/«.— Indicate  by  nodding  the  head.     (Ballard.) 

Yesterday.    See  Day. 

Yon. 

The  hand  open,  held  upward  obliquely,  and  pointing  forward.  (Dun- 
bar.) 

Is  expressed  by  simply  pointing  at  the  persons.     (Long.) 

Point  to  or  otherwise  indicate  the  person  designated.    (Arapaho  I.) 

Point  toward  the  person  with  the  extended  forefinger  of  the  right 
hand,  back  upward,  horizontal.    (Dakota  I.)    "  Designating  the  person." 

To. 


With  the  fingers  and  thumb  extended,  lying  closely  side  by  side,  and 
pointing  upward,  palm  toward  individual  addressed,  slowly  move  the 
hand  toward  the  hearer,  the  fingertips  slightly  in  advance  of  the  wrist, 
as  if  laying  something  against  the  person.  {Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ; 
Apache  II ;    Wichita  II.) 


Yours. 


The  arm  and  hands  are  folded  on  the  chest  as  in  the  sign  for  mine ; 
they  are  then  thrown  open  from  the  breast  toward  another,  palms  out- 
ward.    (Oto and  Missouri  I.)     "Not  mine,  your's." 


!  i 


TRIJSAL    SIGNS. 


AliMai'okn,  Croir. 

The  bands  held  out  each  side,  and  striking  the  air  iu  the  manner  of 
flying.     (Long.) 

t 

Imitate  the  flapping  of  the  bird's  wings  with  the  two  hands,  i^alms 
downward,  brought  close  to  the  shoulder.     (Burton.) 

The  sign  for  these  Indians  is  the  same  as  that  for  Fly,  to.  (Dakota  1.) 
"  Flight  of  the  crow." 

Another:  Tlie  Crow  Indians  simply  place  the  index  upon  the  ridge 
of  the  nose,  but  this  sign  would  be  understood  by  the  Sioux  as  meaning 
Nose.  (Dakota  I.)  "  From  the  Sioux  idea  that  the  heart  is  the  seat  of 
life;  consequently  my  heart  is  I,  is  myself."  (Sic.)  The  placing  of  the 
index  u])(»ii  the  ridge  of  the  nose  is  understood  to  signify  persoimlity 
"I,  myself,"  tuid  not  to  be  a  tribal  sign. 

Both  hands  exteiuled,  with  fingers  joined  ( W),  hold  near  the  shoulders, 
and  flapped  to  rei)resent  the  wings  of  a  crow.     {Dakota  III.) 

At  the  height  of  the  shoulders  and  a  foot  outward  from  them,  move 
tlie  opened  hands  forward  and  backward  twice  or  three  times  from  the 
wrist,  palms  forward,  fingers  and  tliumbs  extended  and  separated  a  lit- 
tle ;  then  place  the  back  or  the  palm  of  the  upright  opened  right  hand 
against  the  upper  i)art  of  the  forehead;  or  half  close  the  fingers, 
placing  the  end  of  the  thumb  against  the  ends  of  the  fore  and  middle 
Angers,  and  then  place  the  back  of  tlie  hand  against  the  forehead. 
(DakotalV.)  "To  imitate  the  flying  of  a  bird,  and  also  indicate  the 
manner  in  which  the  Absaroka  wear  their  hair." 

Place  the  flat  hand  as  high  as  and  in  front  or  to  the  side  of  the  right 
shoulder,  move  it  up  and  down,  the  motion  occurring  at  the  wrist.  For 
more  thorough  representation,  both  hands  are  sometimes  employed. 
(Dakota  V,  VI,  VII ;  Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 
"  Bird's  wing." 


Make  with  the  arms  the  motion  of  flapping  wings.    (Kutine  I.) 


294 


1^:;... 


295 

Tlie  right  hand,  flattened,  is  held  over  and  in  front  of  tlie  right 
shoulder,  and  quickly  waved  back  and  forth  a  few  times  as  if  fanning  the 
side  of  the  face.  When  made  for  the  information  of  one  ignorant  of  the 
common  sign,  both  hands  are  used,  and  the  hands  are  moved  outward 
from  the  body,  though  still  near  the  shoulder.  {kShoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 
"  Wings,  i.  e.,  of  a  crow." 

Arikara.    (Corruptly  abbreviated  Rce.) 

With  the  right  hand  closed,  curve  the  thumb  and  index,  join  their 
tips  so  as  to  form  a  circle,  and  place  to  the  lobe  of  the  ear.  {Absaroka 
I ;  Hidataa  I.)     "  Big  ear-rings." 

Collect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  nearly  to  a  point,  and 
make  a  tattooing  or  dotting  motion  toward  the  upper  portion  of  the 
cheek.  This  is  the  old  sign  swid  was  used  by  them  previous  to  the  adop- 
tion of  the  more  modern  one  representing  "corn-eaters.     {Arikara  I.) 

Place  the  back  of  the  closed  right  hand  transversely  before  the  mouth, 
and  rotate  it  forward  and  backward  several  times.  This  gesture  may 
be  accompanied,  as  it  sometimes  is,  by  a  motion  of  the  jaws  as  if  eating,  to 
illustrate  more  fully  the  meaning  of  the  rotation  of  the  fist.  {Kaiowa  I ; 
Comanche  III ;  Wichita  II ;  ApachelL)  "  Corn-eater ;  eating  corn  from 
the  cob." 

Signified  by  the  same  motions  with  the  thumbs  and  forefingers  that 
are  used  in  shelling  corn.  The  dwarf  Ree  (Arikara)  corn  is  their  pecul- 
iar possession,  which  their  tradition  says  was  given  to  them  by  God, 
who  led  them  to  the  Missouri  River  and  instructed  them  how  to  plant 
it.  (Rev.  C.  L.  Hall,  in  The  Missionary  Herald,  April,  1880.)  "  They 
are  the  corn-shellers." 

Apache.    See  also  l¥ariii  Spring:. 

Make  either  of  the  signs  for  Poor,  in  property.  {Kaiowa  I; 
Comanche  111 ;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.)  "  It  is  said  that  when  the  first 
Apache  came  to  the  region  they  now  occupy  he  was  asked  who  or  what 
he  was,  and  not  understanding  the  language  he  merely  made  the  sign 
for  Poor,  which  expressed  his  condition." 

Rub  the  back  of  the  extended  forefinger  from  end  to  end  with  the  ex- 
tended index.    {Comanche  II;   Ute  I.)     "  Poor,  poverty-stricken." 

Mescalero. 


Same  sign  as  for  Lipan.     {Kaiotca  I;  Comanche  111;  Apache  11; 
Wichita  II.) 

Arapalio. 

The  fingers  of  one  hand  touch  the  breast  in  different  parts,  to  indicate 
the  tattooing  of  that  part  in  points.     {Long.) 


I'lt  i; 
i'i!  r 


it'  i* 
I 


I 


296 

Seize  tbe  nose  with  the  tliuinb  and  foretiiiger.  (The  Prairie  Traveler. 
By  lliuidolph  B.  Marcy,  captani  United  States  Army,  j).  215.  New 
York,  isr>9.) 

Eul)  the  rifi'ht  side  of  the  nose  with  the  forefinger :  some  call  this  tribe 
the  "  Smellers,"  and  make  their  sign  consist  of  seizing  the  nose  with 
the  thnmb  and  forefinger.     {Burton.) 

Finger  to  side  of  nose.     (Macgoican.) 

Tonch  the  left  breast,  thus  imjjlying  what  they  call  themselves,  viz : 
the  "Good  Hearts."    {Arapaho  I.) 

Hold  the  left  hand,  palm  down,  and  fingers  extended  ;  then  with  the 
right  hand,  fingers  extended,  palm  inward  and  thumb  up,  make  a  sud- 
den stroke  from  left  to  right  .icross  the  back  of  the  fingers  of  the  left 
hand,  as  if  cutting  them  of      {Hftc,  Fox,  and  Kiekapoo.) 

Join  the  ends  of  the  fingers  (the  thumb  included)  of  the  right  hand, 
and,  pointing  toward  the  heart  near  the  chest,  throw  the  liand  forward 
and  to  the  right  ojuie,  twice,  or  many  times,  through  an  arc  of  about  six 
inches.  {Dalota  IV.)  "Some  say  they  use  this  sign  because  these  In- 
dians tattoo  their  breasts." 

Rub  the  side  of  the  extended  index  against  the  right  side  of  the  nose. 
{Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

Collect  the  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  to  a  point,  and  tap 
the  tips  upon  the  left  breast  briskly.  [Comanche  II;  Ute'l.)  "(iood- 
hearted."  It  was  stated  by  members  of  the  various  tribes  at  Washington, 
in  1880,  that  this  sign  is  used  to  designate  the  Northern  Arai)ahos,  while 
that  in  which  the  index  rubs  against,  or  passes  upward  alongside  of 
the  nose,  refers  to  the  Southern  Arapahos,  the  reasons  given  for  which 
will  be  referred  to  in  a  future  paper. 

Another:  Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  only  extended;  then 
rub  it  up  and  down,  held  vertically,  against  the  side  of  the  nose  where 
it  joins  the  cheek.    {Coma7iche  II ;   Ute  I.) 

The  fingers  and  thumb  of  the  right  hand  are  brought  to  a  point,  and 
tapped  upon  the  right  side  of  tbe  breast.    {Shoshoni  and  Banak  1.) 

Atiisinaboin. 

Make  tlie  sign  of  Cutting:  the  throat.    (Kutinel.) 

With  the  right  hand  flattened,  form  a  curve  by  passing  it  from  the  top 
of  the  chest  to  the  pubis,  the  fingers  pointing  to  the  left,  and  the  back  for- 
ward.   {Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)    "  Big  bellies." 


I-!  I''' 

n'L' '. 


297 

At>«ina,  Lower  CrroM  Ventre. 

JJotb  liiuids  closed,  the  tips  of  the  tinkers  pointiiif--  toward  tUo  wrist 
and  resting  ui»ou  tlie  base  of  the  joint,  tlie  thumbs  lying  upon  and 
extending  over  the  middle  joint  of  the  forefingers ;  hohl  the  left  before 
the  chest,  pointing  forward,  palm  up,  placing  the  right,  with  palm  down, 
just  back  of  the  left,  and  move  as  if  picking  small  objects  from  the 
left  with  the  tip  of  the  right  thumb,  (Absaroica  I ;  IShoshoniand  Batiak 
I.)     "  Corn-shellera." 

Bring  the  extended  and  separated  fingers  and  thumb  loosely  to  a  point, 
flexed  at  the  metacarpal  joints;  point  them  toward  the  left  clavicle,  and 
imitate  a  <lotting  motion  as  if  tattooing  the  skin.  {Raiown  I ;  Comanche 
III;  Apnchell;  Wichita  II.)  "They  used  to  tattoo  themselves,  and 
live  in  the  country  south  of  the  Dakotas." 

Baiiak. 

Make  a  whistling  sound  "phew"  (beginning  at  a  higii  note  and  ending 
about  an  octave  lower) ;  tlien  draw  the  extended  index  across  the  throat 
from  the  left  to  tlie  right  and  out  to  nearly  at  arm's  length.  Tliey  used 
to  cut  the  throats  of  then-  prisoners.     {Pai-  Ute  I.) 

Major  Ilaworth  states  that  the  Baiidks  make  the  following  sign  for 
themselves:  Brush  the  fiat  right  hand  backward  over  the  forehead  as 
if  forcing  back  the  hair.  This  represents  the  manner  of  wearijig  the 
tuft  of  hair  backward  from  the  foreliead.  According  to  this  informant, 
the  Shoshoni  use  the  same  sign  for  Bana  k  as  for  themselves— Snake. 

Blackf'eet.     (This  title  is  understood  to  refer  to  the  Algonkiii  Black- 
feet,  properly  called  Sat^ika.) 
The  linger  and  thumb  encircle  the  ankle.     {Long.) 

Pass  the  right  hand,  bent  8i)oon-fashiou,  from  the  heel  to  the  little  toe 
of  the  right  foot.     {Burton.) 

The  palmar  surfaces  of  the  extended  fore  and  second  fingers  of  the 
right  hand  ^others  closed)  are  rubbed  along  the  leg  just  above  the  ankle. 
This  would  not  seem  to  be  clear,  but  these  Indians  do  not  make  any 
sign  indii'ating  black  in  <!onnection  with  tlie  above.  The  sign  does  not, 
however,  interfere  with  any  other  sign  as  made  by  the  Sioux.  {Dakota 
I.)     "Blackfeet." 

Touch  the  right  foot  with  the  right  hand.     {Kutine  I.) 

Close  fhe  right  hand,  thumb  resting  over  the  second  joiut  of  the  fore- 
finger, palm  toward  the  face,  and  rotate  over  the  cheek,  though  an  inch 
or  two  from  it.  {i:ihonhoni  and  Banak  1.)  "From  manner  of  painting 
the  cheeks." 

38  •  : 


II  ■: 


IK 


298 

Caddo.    (Compare  Hfca  Percys.) 

Pass  the  horizontally  extended  index  from  right  to  left  under  the  nose. 
{Kaioical;  Comanche  III;  Apache  II;  Wichita  11.)  '*' Pierced  noses,' 
from  former  custom  of  wearing  rings  in  the  septum." 

VaHttpel.    See  Pend  d'Oreille. 

Cheyenne. 

Draw  the  hand  across  the  arm,  to  imitat.e  cutting  it  with  a  knife* 
{Marcy,  Prairie  Traveller,  loc.  cit,  j).  215.) 

Draw  the  lower  edge  of  the  right  hand  across  the  left  arm  as  if 
gashing  it  with  a  knife.     (Biirtoii.) 

With  the  index-finger  of  the  right  hand  proceed  as  if  cutting  the  left 
arm  in  dittereut  places  with  a  sawing  motion  from  the  wrist  upward,  to 
represent  the  cuts  or  burns  on  the  arms  of  that  nation.    {Long.) 

Bridge  palm  of  left  hand  with  index-finger  of  right.     {Macgowan.) 

Draw  the  extended  right  hand,  fingers  joined,  across  the  left  wrist  as 
if  cutting  it.     (Arapaho  I.) 

Place  the  extended  index  at  the  right  side  of  the  nose,  where  it  joins 
the  face,  the  tip  reaching  as  high  as  the  forehead,  and  close  to  the  inner 
corner  of  the  eye.  This  position  makes  the  thumb  of  the  right  hand  rest 
upon  the  chin,  while  tiie  index  is  i)erpendicular.  (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kieka- 
poo  I.)  't  is  considered  that  this  sign,  though  given  to  the  collaborator 
as  expressed,  was  an  error.    It  applies  to  the  Southern  Arapahos. 

As  though  sawing  through  the  left  forearm  at  its  middle,  with  the 
edge  of  the  right  held  back  outward,  thumb  upward.  Sign  made  at  the 
left  side  of  the  body.  (Daliota  I.)  "  Same  sign  as  for  a  Sair.  The 
Cheyenne  Indians  are  known  to  the  Sioux  by  the  name  of  'The  Saws.'" 

liight-hand  fingers  and  thumb  extended  and  joined  (as  in  S),  outer 
edge  downward,  and  drawn  sharply  across  the  other  fingers  and  fore- 
arm as  if  cutting  with  a  knife.    [Dakota  III.) 

Draw  the  extended  right  index  or  the  ulnar  (inner)  edge  of  the  opened 
right  hand  several  times  across  the  base  of  the  extended  left  index,  or 
across  the  left  forearm  at  different  heights  from  left  to  right.  {Dakota 
IV.)  "  Because  their  arms  are  marked  with  scars  from  cuts  which  they 
make  as  offerings  to  spirits." 

Draw  the  extended  index  several  times  across  the  extended  forefinger 
from  the  tip  toward  the  palm,  the  latter  pointing  forward  and  slightly 
toward  the  right.  From  the  custom  of  striping  arms  transversely  with 
colors.    (Kaiotca  I ;  Comanche  II,  III ;  Apache  II ;  Ute  I ;   Wichita  II.) 


■  .-A 


'T 


299 

Another:  Make  the  sign  for  Oog  and  that  for  To  Eat.  This  sign 
is  generally  used,  but  the  otlier  and  more  common  one  is  also  employed, 
especially  so  with  individuals  not  fully  conversant  witli  the  sign-lan- 
guage as  employed  by  the  Comanches,  &c.  {Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  HI ; 
Apache  II ;  Wichita  11.)     "  Dog-eaters." 

Draw  the  extended  index  across  the  back  of  the  left  hand  and  arm  as 
if  cutting  it.  The  index  does  not  touch  the  arm  as  in  signs  given  for 
the  same  tribe  by  other  Indians,  but  is  held  at  least  four  or  five  inches 
from  it.     {Shoshoni  and  BanaJc  I.) 

Cliippeitay.    See  Ojibwa. 

Comanche. 

Imitate,  by  the  waving  of  the  hand  or  forefinger,  the  forward  crawling 
motion  of  a  snake.  ( Burton,  also  Blaekmore  in  introduction  to  Dodge's 
Plains  of  the  Great  West,  p.  xxv.  New  York,  1877.)  Tlie  same  sign  Is 
used  for  the  Shoshoni,  juore  commonly  called  "Snake"  Indians,  who  as 
well  as  the  Comanche  belong  to  the  Numa  linguistic  fiimily.  '•  The 
silent  stealth  of  the  tribe."  (Thirty  Years  of  Army  Life  on  the  Border^ 
By  Col.  li.  B.  Marcy,  p.  33.  New  York,  180G.)  But  see  ^lio»tlloni 
for  distinction  between  the  signs. 

Motion  of  a  snake.     {Macgowan.) 

Hold  the  elbow  of  the  right  arm  near  the  right  side,  but  not  touching 
it;  extend  the  forearm  and  hand,  palm  inward,  fingers  joined  on  a  level 
with  the  elbow,  then  with  a  shoulder  movement  draw  that  forearm  and 
hand  back  until  the  points  of  the  fingers  are  behind  the  body;  at  the 
same  time  that  the  hand  is  thus  being  moved  back,  turn  it  right  and 
left  several  times.  (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.)  "Snake  in  the  grass. 
A  snake  drawing  itself  back  in  the  grass  instead  of  ciossing  the  road  in 
front  of  you." 

Another :  The  sign  by,  and  for  the  Comanches  themselves  is  made 
by  holding  both  haiuls  and  arms  upward  from  the  elbow,  both  palms 
inward,  and  passing  both  hands  with  their  backs  upward  along  the 
lower  end  of  the  hair  to  indicate  long  hair,  as  they  never  cut  it.  {Sac, 
Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.) 

Eight  hand  horizontal,  flat,  palm  downward  (W),  advanced  to  the 
front  by  a  motion  to  represent  the  crawling  of  a  snake.    (Dakota  III.) 

Extend  the  closed  right  hand  to  the  front  and  left;  extend  the  index, 
palm  down,  and  rotate  from  side  to  side  while  drawing  it  back  to  the 
right  hip.    (Kaiowa  1;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;   Wichita  II.) 

Make  the  reverse  gesture  for  Sho§honi,  i.  e.,  begin  away  from  the 
body,  drawing  the  hand  back  to  the  side  of  the  right  hip  while  rotating 
it.    (Comanche  II.) 


ii'    11' 


li;  If 


I.  Ill 


Jh- 


300 

C'ree.    KniNleiio.    KriMfpneniix. 

Si^n  for  Waffon  and  tlu'ii  tlie  niau  for  I?lan.  {Dakota  I.)  "Tliis 
imliwvtes  thelted  Hivor  halfbroods,  witli  thtiir  carts,  as  tht'se  people  are 
80  known  from  their  habit  of  travelinji  with  carts." 

Dakota.    Sioiix. 

The  edge  of  the  hand  passed  across  the  throat,  as  in  the  act  of  cutting 
that  part.     {Long ;  Marci/,  Army  Life,  loc.  cit.,  \h  .33.) 

Draw  the  lower  edge  of  the  hand  across  the  throat.     {liurton.) 

Draw  the  extended  right  hand  across  the  throat.  {Arapaho  1.)  "  The 
cnt-throats.'' 

Draw  the  forefinger  of  the  left  hand  from  right  to  left  across  the 
throat.     {Sac,  Fox,  and  Kichtpoo  \,)     "A  cut  throat." 

Forefinger  and  thumb  of  riglit  hand  extended  (others  closed)  is  drawn 
from  left  to  right  across  the  throat  as  though  cutting  it.  The  Dakotas 
have  been  named  the  "cut-tliroats"  by  some  of  the  surrounding  tribes 
{Dakota  I.)     "Cut-throats." 

Right  hand  horizontal,  tiat,  palm  downward  (as  in  H¥),  and  drawu 
across  the  throat  as  if  cutting  with  a  knife.     {Dakota  III.) 

Draw  the  opened  right  hand,  or  th«  right  index,  from  left  to  right 
horizontally  across  tlie  throat,  back  of  hand  upward,  fingers  pointing 
toward  the  left.  {Dakota  IV.)  "  It  is  said  that  after  a  battle  the  Utes 
took  many  Sioux  prisoners  and  cut  their  throats ;  hence  the  sign  "cut- 
throats." 

Pass  the  flat  hand,  with  the  palm  down,  from  left  to  right  across  the 
throat.     {Dakota  VI.) 

Draw  the  extended  right  hand,  palm  downward,  across  the  throat 
from  left  to  right.  {Ka'unca  I;  Comanche  II,  III;  Shoshoni  and  lianak 
I;   Utel)  Apache  II;    Wichita  II.)     "  Cut-throats." 

Blackfoot  (Sihasapa). 


Pass  the  right  haiul  (piickly  over  the  i-ight  foot  from  the  great  toe 
outward,  turn  the  heel  as  if  brushing  something  therefrom.    {Dakota  V.) 

Pass  the  widely  separated  thumb  and  index  of  the  right  hand  over  the 
lower  leg,  from  just  below  the  knee  nearly  down  to  the  heel.  {Kaiowa 
I;  Comanche  III ;  Apache  II;   Wichita  11.) 


f>'i :.  '-^ 


301 


Hub  llie  iipjtor  and  (uiter  i)art  of  tlui  rif,'lit  thijfli  in  ii  .siriall  circio  witli 
tlio  opened  rijjlit  liiind,  fingers  pointinj;  downward.  (Dakota  IV.) 
"Tliese  Indians,  it  is  said,  were  once  cangiit  in  a  i»rairie  tire,  many 
bnrned  to  death,  and  others  badly  burned  about  the  tliif-lis.  Hence 
the  nanu.'  Si-eau-},ui  (burnt  tliif>h)  and  tiie  si{;n." 

Brush  the  palm  of  the  ri;jht  hand  over  the  rifflit  thijxh,  from  near  the 
buttoek  toward  the  front  of  the  middle  thiid  of  the  thigh.  {Kuiuica  1  ; 
Comanche  III;  Apache  U;    ]yichita  II.) 

Ogalala. 

Fingers  and  tlnnnb  sei)arated,  straight  (as  in  R),  and  dotted  about 
over  the  tm-x'  to  re])res)'nt  the  marks  made  by  the  smallpox.  {Dakota 
111.)     "This  band  suffered  from  the  disease  many  years  ago." 

With  the  thumb  over  th«'  ends  of  the  fingers,  hold  the  right  hand 
u])right,  its  back  forward,  about  six  iiu-hes  in  front  of  the  face,  or  on 
oiu»  side  of  the  nose  near  the  face,  and  suddenly  extend  and  spread  all 
the  fingers  (thumb  included).  [Dakota  IV.)  "The  word  OyaMa  nutans 
scattering  or  throwing  at,  and  the  name  was  given  them,  it  is  said,  after 
a  row  in  wiiich  they  threw  ashes  into  each  other's  faces." 

Flathead,  or  $ieli<«li. 

One  hand  i)laced  on  the  top  of  the  head,  and  the  other  on  the  back  of 
the  head.     [Long.) 

Place  the  right  hand  to  the  top  of  the  head.     [Kutine  I.) 

Pat  the  right  side  of  the  head  above  and  back  of  the  ear  with  the  flat 
right  hand.  [iShoshoni  and  Bonak  I.)  From  the  elongation  of  the 
occi])ut. 

Fox,  or  Oaitasaiiii. 

Same  sign  as  for  Sac.     [Sac,  Fo.r,  and  Kickapoo  1.) 

Crro!!i  Ventre.    See  Hidatwa. 

Hidatsa,  Cri'o»«  Tentre  or  Jflinitari. 

Both  hands  flat  and  extended,  palms  toward  the  body,  with  the  tips 
of  the  fingers  pointing  toward  one  another ;  i)as8  from  the  top  of  the 
chest  downward,  outward,  ami  inward  toward  the  groin.  [Ah/taroka  I ; 
Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.)     "  IJig  belly." 

Left  and  right  hands  in  front  of  breast,  left  placed  iu  position  first, 
separated  about  four  or  five  inches,  left  hand  outside  of  the  riglit,  hori- 
zontal, backs  outward,  fingers  extended  and  pointing  left  and  right; 
strike  the  back  of  the  right  against  the  palm  of  the  left  several  times, 
and  then  make  the  sign  for  Go,  Goillff.     [Dakota  I.)     "The  Gros 


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V«'ntre  liuliaiis,  MiiinotaruoH  (tho  Ilidat.sa  Indians  of  MatthewH),  aro 
known  to  tlui  Sioux  as  the  Indians  who  w«nt  to  the  mountainH  to  kill 
their  enemies ;  hence  tiie  sign." 

Exi>ress  with  tlie  hand  the  sign  of  a  big  belly.    (Dakota  HI.) 

Pass  the  flat  right  hand,  back  forward,  from  the  top  of  the  breast,  down- 
ward, outward,  and  inward  to  the  pubis.  (Dakota  VI;  JIitlatna  I; 
Arikara  I.)     "  Big  belly." 

Indian  (generically). 

Kub  the  back  of  tho  extended  left  hand  with  the  palmar  surfaces  of 
the  extended  Hngersof  the  right.  (Comanche  II.)  "  People  of  the  same 
kind;  dark-skinned." 

Kub  the  back  of  the  left  Inuul  with  tho  index  of  the  right.     (Pai-  Ute  I.) 

Rub  tiie  back  of  the  left  hand  lightly  with  tho  index  of  the  right. 
(Wichita  1.) 

Knioiivn. 

Make  the  signs  of  the  Prairie  and  of  Driniiinj?  IVater. 

(Burton;  lilackiiiorc  in  Dodge's  Plains  of  the  Great  West,  xxiv.     New 
York,  1877.) 

Kight-hand  lingers  and  thumb  extended  and  joined  (as  in  "W),  placed 
in  front  of  right  shoulder,  and  revolving  loosely  at  the  wrist.  (Dakota 
III.) 

Place  the  flat  hand  with  extended  and  separated  lingers  before  the 
face,  pointing  forward  and  upward,  the  wrist  near  the  chin ;  pass  it 
upward  and  forward  several  times.  (Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  111 ;  Apache 
II;   Wichita  U.) 

Place  tho  right  hand  a  short  distance  above  the  right  side  of  the  head, 
fingers  and  thumb  separated  and  extended ;  shake  it  rapidly  from  side 
to  side,  giving  it  a  slight  rotary  motion  in  doing  so.  (Comanche  II.) 
"  Ilattle-braiued." 

Same  sign  as  (Comanche  II),  with  the  exception  that  both  hands  are 
generally  used  instead  of  the  right  one  only.    ( Ute  I.) 

Kicliapoo. 

With  the  thumb  and  finger  go  through  the  motion  of  clipping  the 
hair  over  the  ear ;  then  with  the  hand  make  a  sign  that  the  borders  of 
the  leggius  are  wide.    (/Sac,  Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.) 

Knisteno,  or  Cree. 

Place  the  first  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  in  front  of  the 
mouth.    (Kntine  I.) 


i;:Ji! 

i::k 


303 

Kiitiiie. 

I'liuro  tlio  index  or  socoiul  rtnj,'()r  of  the  n{,'ht  hand  on  e.ich  side  of  the 
left  index-Hnger  to  imitate  ridiiiy  a  horwe,    {Kutine  I.) 

Ilohl  the  left  fist,  paltii  upward,  iit  arm's  length  before  the  body,  the 
rifjht  an  if  Kia«I>iii»X  the  bowstring  and  drawn  back.  (ShoHlioni  and 
lianak  I.)  "  From  their  peculiar  manner  of  holding  the  long  bow  hori- 
zontally in  shooting." 

Lipan. 

With  the  index  and  second  fingers  only  extended  and  separated,  hold 
the  hand  at  arm's  length  to  the  front  of  the  left  side;  draw  it  back  in 
distinct  Jerks;  each  time  the  hand  rests  draw  the  Angers  back  against 
the  inside  of  the  thumb,  and  when  the  hand  is  again  started  on  the  next 
movement  backward  snap  the  fingers  to  full  length.  This  is  repeated 
five  or  six  times  during  the  one  movement  of  the  hand.  The  country 
which  the  Lipans  at  one  time  occui)ied  contaitied  large  ponds  or  lakes, 
and  along  the  shores  of  these  the  reptile  was  found  which  gave  them 
this  characteristic  appellation.  {Kaiotca  J;  Comanche  J II;  Apache  11; 
Wichita  U.)     "Frogs." 

mandan. 

The  first  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  extended,  separated 
ba(!ks  outward  pother  fingers  and  thumb  closed),  are  drawn  from  the 
left  shoulder  obliquely  downward  in  front  of  the  body  to  the  right  hip, 
(Dakota  I.)  "The  Mamlan  Indians  are  known  to  the  Sioux  as  'The 
people  who  wear  a  scarlet  sash,  with  a  train,'  in  the  manner  above  de- 
scribed." 

I?Iexican.    See  Vocabulakv. 

Iflinitari.    See  HidatHa. 

IVe^ro.    See  Vocabulary. 

Since  the  Vocabulary  was  printed  the  following  has  been  received 
from  Arapaho  and  Cheyenne  Indians  in  Washington,  as  the  sign  for 
l^egro  as  well  as  for  Ute.  Rub  the  back  of  the  extended  flat  left  hand 
with  the  extended  fingers  of  the  right,  then  touch  some  black  object. 
Represents  black  skin.  Although  the  same  sign  is  generally  used  to 
signify  TVegTO,  an  addition  is  sometimes  made  as  follows :  place  the 
index  and  second  fingers  to  the  hair  on  the  right  side  of  the  head,  and 
rub  them  against  each  other  to  signify  Ctirlt;  hair.  This  addition  is 
only  made  when  the  connection  would  cause  a  confusion  between  the 
"black  skin"  Indian  (Ut«)  and  negro. 


i  > 


TVez  Percys.    See  §ahaptin. 

Place  the  thumb  and  forefinger  to  the  nostrils. 


(Kutine  I.) 


304 


ii  ;-  - 


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Ojibira,  or  Chippewa. 

I'i{;ht  liaml  horizontal,  back  outward,  rtngcrs  sei)arate(l,  arched,  tips 
poiutiii}?  inward,  is  moved  from  rif;ht  to  left  breast  and  generally  over 
the  front  of  the  body  with  a  treniblinjj;'  motion  and  at  the  same  time  a 
sli^^ht  outward  or  forward  movement  of  the  hand  as  thouj;h  drawinjj 
something  (,nt  of  the  body,  and  then  make  the  si<>  i  for  Iflan.  ( Dakota  I.) 
"  Perhai)s  the  lirst  Cliippewa  Indian  seen  by  a  ISioux  had  an  eruption  on 
his  body,  ami  from  tiiat  his  people  were  jjiven  the  milium  of  the  'People 
with  a  breakinj;-out,'  by  which  name  the  Chippewas  have  ever  been 
known  by  tlie  Sioux.'' 

Owage,  or  IrVat^aji. 

Pull  at  the  eyebrows  over  the  left  eye  with  the  thumb  and  foretinger 
of  the  left  hand.  Tiiis  sign  is  also  used  by  the  Usages  themselves. 
{S((c,  F(u;  and  Kiclapoo  I.) 

Hold  the  Hat  right  hand,  back  forward,  with  the  edge  pointing  back- 
ward, against  tlie  sule  of  the  head,  then  ..lake  repeated  cuts,  and  the 
hand  is  moved  backward  toward  tiie  occiput.  (Kaiowa  I;  Vomanehe 
III;  Apache  II;  ]ru7((7rt  II.)  "  Fornier  custom  of  shaving  the  hair  from 
the  sides  of  the  liead,  leaving  but  an  occii>ito-frontal  ridge." 

Pass  the  flat  and  extended  riglit  hand  backward  over  the  right  side 
of  the  head,  moving  the  index  against  the  second  tinger  in  imitation  of 
cutting  with  a  pair  of  scissors,  {Vomanehe  II.)  "  Keju-esents  the  nmn- 
uer  of  removing  the  hair  from  the  sides  of  the  head,  leaving  a  ridge 
only  from  the  forehead  to  the  occiput." 

Oiitagaiiii.    Bee  Fox. 

Pai-UtCM,  Head  Cliiefor  the. 

Grasp  the  forelock  with  the  right  hand,  palm  backward;  pass  the 
hand  upward  about  six  in(!hes,  and  hold  it  in  that  position  a  moment. 
(P«i-  Ute  I.)     "  Big  chief." 

Pai-Ute  band,  Chiet'of  a. 

Make  the  gesture  as  for  Pai-l^te,  Head  Chief,  but  instead  of 
holding  the  liand  above  the  head  lay  it  down  over  the  right  temple, 
resting  it  there  a  moment.     [VaiUte  I.)     "  Little  chief." 

Paili  (Pawnee). 

Imitate  a  wolf's  ears  with  the  two  forefingers  of  the  right  hand  ex- 
teu<led  together,  upright,  on  the  left  side  of  the  head.     {Burton.) 

Place  a  haiul  on  each  side  of  the  forehead,  with  two  fingers  pointing 
to  the  front  to  represent  the  narrow,  sharp  ears  of  the  wolf.  {Marey, 
Prairie  Traveler,  loc,  cit.,  p.  21o.) 

First  and  second  lingei's  of  right  han<l,  straight  upward  and  separated, 
remaining  fingers  and  thumb  closed  (as  in  ]W),  like  the  ears  of  a  small 
wolf.    {Dakota  III.) 


305 

Place  the  closed  right,  to  the  side  of  the  temple,  palm  forward,  leaving 
the  index  and  second  fingers  extended  and  slightly  separated,  pointing 
upward.  This  is  ordinarily  used,  tl  otxgh,  to  be  more  explicit,  both  hands 
may  be  used.    ( Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Utel;  Apache  II ;  Wichita  II.) 

Extend  the  index  and  second  fingers  of  the  right  hand  upward  from 
the  right  side  of  the  head.     {Comanche  II.) 

Pend  d'Oreille,  or  Calixpel. 

Make  the  motion  of  paddling  a  canoe.    {Kutine  i.) 

Both  fists  are  held  as  if  grasping  a  paddle  vertically  downward  and 
working  a  canoe.  Two  strokes  are  made  on  each  side  of  the  body  from 
the  side  backward.    {Shoshoni  and  Banak  I.) 

Pueblo. 

Place  the  clinched  hand  back  of  the  occiput  as  if  grasi)ing  the  queue, 
then  place  both  fiats  in  front  of  the  riglit  shoulder,  rotating  tiiem  slightly 
to  represent  a  loose  mass  of  an  imaginary  substance.  Kei)resents  the 
large  mass  of  hair  tied  back  of  the  head.  Tiiis  sign  lias  ))eeu  obtained 
from  Arapaho  and  Ciieyenue  Indians  while  this  pai)er  was  passing 
through  the  press. 

Sac^  or  Saiiki. 

Pass  the  extended  palm  of  the  right  hand  over  the  right  side  of  the 
head  trom  front  to  back,  and  the  palm  of  tiie  left  hand  in  tlie  same 
manner  over  the  left  side  of  the  head.  (Sac,  Fox,  and  Kickapoo  I.) 
"  Sliaved-headed  Indians." 

§aha|>tin,  or  iVez  Pere^w. 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  straight  but  fiexed  at  right 
angles  with  the  palm;  pass  it  horisontally  to  the  left  by  and  under  the 
nose.  This  sign  is  uuide  by  the  Nez  Perces  for  themselves,  according 
to  Major  Haworth.  While  this  paper  has  been  passing  tlirongli  tlie 
press  information  lias  been  received  from  iVrapaho  and  (]heyenne  In- 
diam;,  now  in  Washington,  that  this  sign  is  also  used  to  designate  the 
Caddos,  who  practiced  the  same  custom  of  perforating  the  nasal  septum. 
The  same  informants  also  state  that  the  Shawnees  are  sometimes  indi- 
cated by  the  same  sign.    {Comanche  II.)     "  Pierced  nose." 

Pass  the  extended  index,  pointing  toward  the  left,  remaining  fingers 
and  thumb  closed,  in  front  of  and  across  the  upper  lip.  Just  below  the 
nose.  The  second  finger  is  also  sometimes  extended.  {Shoshoni  and 
Banak  I.)  "  From  the  custom  of  piercing  the  noses  for  the  reception  of 
ornaments."  The  Sahaptin,  however,  have  not  had  that  custom  since 
being  known  to  themselves. 

Satsika.    See  Blackl'eet. 

Seliiih.    See  Flathead. 

35) 


306 


m 


IShawnee.    See  IVeas  Percys. 

Shoshoni,  or  ^nake.    (Compare  Comanche.) 

The  forefinger  is  extended  horizontally  and  passed  along  forward 
a  serpentine  line.     {Long.) 

Right  hand  closed,  palm  down,  placed  in  front  of  the  right  hip;  ex- 
tend the  index  and  push  it  diagonally  toward  the  left  front,  rotating  it 
quickly  from  side  to  side  in  doing  so.  (Absaroka  I ;  Shoslioni  and  Banak 
I.)    "Snake." 

Right  hand,  horizontal,  flat,  palm  downward  {"W),  advanced  to  the 
front  by  a  motion  to  represent  the  crawling  of  a  snake.    (Dakota  III. 

With  the  right  index  i)ointing  forward,  the  hand  is  to  be  moved  for) 
ward  about  a  foot  in  a  sinuous  niannei,  to  imitate  the  crawling  of  a 
snake.     {Dakota  IV.) 

Make  the  motion  of  a  serpent  with  the  right  finger.     {Ktitine  I.) 

Place  tlie  closed  right  hand,  i)alm  down,  in  front  of  the  right  hip ; 
extend  the  index,  and  move  forward  and  toward  the  left,  rotating  the 
hand  and  finger  from  side  to  side  in  doing  so.  {Kaioica  1 ;  Comanche 
III;  Apache  II;   Wichita  \l.) 

Place  the  closed  right  hand,  palm  down,  in  front  of  the  right  hip ; 
extend  the  index,  move  it  forward  and  toward  the  left,  rotating  the 
hand  and  index  in  doing  so.     {Comanche  II.) 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  only  extended  and  pointing 
forward,  palm  to  the  left,  then  move  it  forward  and  to  the  left.  The 
rotary  motion  of  the  hand  does  not  occur  in  this,  as  in  the  same  sign  given 
by  otlier  tribes  for  ^liowlioni  or  §nake.     {Pai-Utel.) 

Sheepeater.     (Tukuarikai.) 

Both  hands,  half  closed,  pass  from  the  top  of  the  ears  backward,  down- 
ward, and  forward,  in  a  curve,  to  represent  a  ram's  horns ;  then,  with  the 
index  only  extended  and  curved,  place  the  hand  above  and  in  front  of 
the  mouth,  back  toward  the  face,  and  pass  it  downward  and  backward 
several  times.    {Shonhoni  and  Banak  I.)    " Sheep,"  and  "to  eat." 

IJte. 

"They  who  live  ofi  mountains"  have  a  complicated  sign  which  denotes, 
"  living  in  mountains  "  and  is  composed  of  the  signs  Sit  and  mount- 
ain.    {Burton.) 

Left  hand  horizontal,  flat,  palm  downward,  and  with  the  fingers  of 
the  right  hand  brush  the  other  toward  the  wrist.     ( Dakota  III.) 

Place  the  flat  and  extended  left  hand  at  the  height  of  the  elbow  before 
the  body,  pointing  to  the  front  and  right,  palm  toward  the  ground;  then 


m4^. 


307 

pass  the  palmar  surface  of  the  flat  and  extended  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  over  the  back  of  the  left  from  near  the  wrist  toward  the  tips  of 
theflngers.  {Kaiowal;  Comanchelll-,  Apciche  II-,  WichiHiL)  "Those 
who  use  sinew  for  sewing,  and  for  strengthening  the  bow." 

Indicate  the  color  Black,  then  separate  the  thumbs  and  forefingers 
of  both  hands  as  far  as  possible,  leaving  the  remaining  lingers  closed, 
and  pass  upward  over  the  lower  part  of  the  legs.  {ShosJioni  and  Banak 
1.)    "  Black  or  dark  leggings." 

l¥ai*iii  Spring^  Apache. 

Hand  curved  (Y,  more  flexed)  and  laid  on  its  back  oa  top  of  the  foot 
{moccasins  much  curved  up  at  toe) ;  tlien  draw  liands  up  legs  to  near 
knee,  and  cut  ott"  with  edges  of  liands  {boot  tops).  {Apache  I II.)  "  Those 
who  wear  booted  moccasins  with  turn-up  toes." 

lW^.TMi  ja.    See  Oi^a^e. 

l¥liite  man  ?  American.    See  Vocabulary. 

l¥irliita. 

Indicate  a  circle  over  the  upper  portion  of  tlie  right  cheek,  with  the 
index  or  several  fingers  of  the  right  liand.  The  statement  of  the  Indian 
authorities  for  the  above  is  that  years  ago  the  Wicluta  women  ])ainted 
spiral  lines  on  the  breasts,  starting  at  the  nipple  and  extending  several 
inches  from  it ;  but  after  an  increase  in  modesty  or  a  change  in  the  upper 
garment,  by  which  tlie  breast  ceased  to  be  exposed,  tlie  cheelc  has  been 
adopted  as  the  locality  for  the  sigii.  {Kaiowa  I ;  Comanche  III ;  Apache 
II;   Wichita  II.) 

Wyandot. 

Pass  the  flat  right  hand  from  the  top  of  the  forehead  backward  over 
the  head  and  downward  and  backward  as  far  as  the  length  of  the  arm. 
( Wyandot  I.)    "  From  the  manner  of  wearing  the  hair." 


PROPER  NAMES,  PHRASES, 
DIALOGUES,  ETC. 


m 

9  ^' 
I''' 

Sit 


PROPER  NAMES. 

President  or  the  United  States;   iSecretary  ol'tiie  In- 
terior. 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  thumb  and  index  fully  extended 
and  separated;  place  the  index  over  the  forehead  so  that  the  thumb 
points  to  the  right,  palm  toward  the  face;  then  draw  the  index  across 
the  forehead  toward  the  right;  then  elevate  the  extended  index,  point- 
ing upward  before  the  shoulder  or  neck;  pass  it  upward  as  high  as 
the  top  of  the  head ;  make  a  short  turn  toward  the  front  and  pass  it 
pointing  downward  toward  the  ground,  to  a  point  farther  to  the  front 
and  a  littlelower  than  at  the  beginning.  {Absarolca  1;  Dakota  VI,  VII ; 
Shonhoiii  and  Banak  I;   Ute  I;  Apache  I.)     "White  [man]  chief." 

Make  the  same  signs  for  "Wilite  man  and  Chief*,  and  conclude 
by  making  that  for  Parent  by  collecting  the  fingers  and  thumb  of 
the  right  hand  nearly  to  a  point  and  drawing  them  forward  from  the 
left  breast.  {Kaiowa  I;  Comanche  III;  Apache  11;  Wichita  11.)  "White 
man;  chief;  father." 

l^asiiinji^ton,  City  or. 

The  sign  for  Oo  ;  the  sign  for  House  or  IWig'wain  ;  the  sign  for 
Cars,  and  the  sign  for  Council.  The  sign  for  Fattier  is  briefly 
executed  by  passing  the  open  hand  down  and  from  the  loins,  then  bring- 
ing it  erect  before  the  body  ;  then  the  sign  for  Cars,  combined  of  firO 
and  ll^'ag'on,  making  with  the  mouth  the  noise  of  an  engine ;  the 
hands  then  raised  before  the  eyes  and  approxinmted  at  points,  as  in  the 
sign  for  House;  then  diverge  to  indicate  Extensive;  this  being 
followed  by  the  sign  for  Council.  {Oto  and  Missouri  I.)  "  The  home 
of  our  fathers,  where  we  go  on  the  puffing  wagon  to  council." 

missouri  River. 

Make  the  sign  for  "Water  and  the  sign  for  I^arg'e,  and  then  rapidly 
rotate  the  right  hand  from  right  to  left  several  times,  its  back  upward, 
fingers  spread  and  pointing  lor  ward  to  show  that  it  is  stirred  up  or  muddy. 
{Dakota  IV.) 
308 


309 

Kag:le  Bull  (a  Dakota  chief). 

Place  the  clinched  fists  to  either  side  of  the  head ;  tlien  extend  the 
left  hand,  flat,  palm  down,  before  the  left  side,  fingers  pointing  forward ; 
the  outer  edge  of  the  flat  and  extended  right  hand  is  then  laid  trans- 
versely across  the  back  of  the  left  hand,  and  slid  forward  over  the  fingers. 
{Dakota  VI;  Arikara  I.)  "Bull  and  eagle — '■Haliaetua  leucoeephalus, 
{Linn.)  Sav.'" 

Rlishinj^  Bear  (a  Dakota  chief). 

Place  the  right  fist  in  front  of  the  right  side  of  the  breast,  palin  down  ; 
extend  and  curve  the  thumb  and  little  finger  so  that  their  tips  point 
toward  one  another  before  the  knuckles  of  the  remaining  closed  fingers, 
then  reach  forward  a  short  distance  and  i)ull  toward  the  body  several 
times  rather  quickly;  suddenly  push  the  fist,  in  this  form,  forward  to 
arm's  length  twice.     {Dakota  VI;  Arikara  I.)     " Bear  and  rushing." 

JSpottecl  Tail  (a  Dakota  chief). 

With  the  index  only  of  the  right  hand  extended,  indicate  a  line  or 
curve  from  the  sacrum  (or  from  the  right  buttock)  downward,  backward, 
and  outward  toward  the  left;  then  extend  the  left  forefinger,  pointing 
forward  from  the  left  side,  and  with  the  extended  index  draw  imaginary 
lines  transversely  across  the  left  forefinger.  {Ahsaroka  I ;  Shoshoni  I ; 
Dakota  VI,  VII {  Arikara  I.)     "  Tail ;  spotted." 

I^tiiiiililin^  Bear  (a  Kaiowa  chief). 

Plat!e  the  right  fist  in  front  of  tlu',  right  side  of  the  breast,  palm  down; 
extend  and  curve  the  thumb  and  little  finger  so  that  tlieir  tips  point 
toward  one  another  before  the  knuckles  of  the  remaining  closed  fingers; 
then  place  the  left  flat  hand  edgewise  before  the  breast,  pointing  to  the 
right ;  hold  the  right  hand  flat  pointing  down  nearer  the  body ;  move 
it  forward  toward  the  left,  so  that  the  right-hand  fingers  strike  the  left 
palm  and  tall  downward  beyond  the  left.  {Kaiowa  I.)  "Bear;  stumble 
or  stumbling." 

Jiwilt  Runner  (a  Dakota  Indian). 

Place  the  right  hand  in  front  of  the  right  side,  palm  down ;  close  all 
the  fingers  excepting  the  index,  which  is  slightly  curved,  pointing  for- 
ward ;  then  i)ush  the  hand  forward  to  arm's  length  twice,  very  quickly. 
{Dakota  VI;  Arikara  I.)     "  Man  running  rapidly  or  swiftly." 

liWIld  Horse  (a  Comanche  chief). 

Place  the  extended  and  separated  index  and  second  fingers  of  the 
right  hand  astraddle  the  extended  forefinger  of  the  left  hand.  With 
the  right  hand  loosely  extended,  held  as  nigh  as  and  nearly  at  arm's 
length  before  the  shoulder,  make  several  cuts  downward  and  toward  the 
left.    {Comanche  III.)    "  Prairie  or  wild  horse." 


!i'i 


li  I.. 

Ili  I 


310 


M-^ 


hi! 


If    i 


11  II 


i  a. 


PHRASES. 

l¥here  in  your  mother  ? 

After  placiiiy  the  index  into  the  mouth  (mother),  point  the  index  at 
the  individnal  addressed  (j/our);  then  sejtarate  and  extend  tiie  index  and 
second  fingers  of  tlie  right  hand ;  hold  them,  pointing  forward,  about 
twelve  or  fifteen  inches  before  the  face,  and  njove  them  from  side  to  side, 
eyes  following  the  same  direction  {I  sec);  then  throw  the  flat  right  hand 
in  a  sliort  curve  outward  to  the  right  until  the  back  points  toward  the 
ground  (not),  and  look  inquiringly  at  the  individual  addressed.  ( Ute  1.) 
"Mother  your  I  see  not;  where  is  she?" 

Are  yoii  brave  t 

Point  to  the  person  and  make  sign  for  lirave,  at  same  time  looking 
witii  an  inquiring  expression.    (Abmroln  I;  Shonhoni  and  Baniik  I.) 

BiMOii,  I  have  Mhot  a. 

]\Iove  the  ojten  left  hand  (palm  to  the  front)  toward  the  left  and  away 
from  the  body  slowly  (motion  of  the  buffalo  wlien  chased).  JMove  right 
hand  on  wrist  as  axis,  rapidly  (man  on  pony  chasing  buttalo);  then  ex- 
tend left  hand  to  tiie  left,  draw  right  arm  as  if  drawing  a  bow,  snap  tlie 
forefinger  and  middle  finger  ol'  left  hand,  and  thrust  the  right  forefinger 
over  the  left  hand.     {Omaha  I.) 

Ifoii  ^ave  iiM  iiiany  clothe<«,  hut  ive  don't  ivant  them. 

Lean  forward,  and,  liolding  the  hands  concavo-convex,  draw  them  up 
over  the  limbs  severally,  then  cross  on  the  chest  as  wrapping  a  blanket. 
The  arms  are  then  extended  before  the  body,  with  the  hands  in  type- 
l)osition  (\V),  to  a  height  indicating  a  large  i)ile.  The  right  hand  then 
sweeps  outward,  showing  a  negative  state  of  mind.  The  index  of  right 
hand  finally  touches  the  chest  of  the  second  party  and  'ipproaches  the 
body,  in  position  (I),  horizontal.  (Otoand  Misnouri  I.)  "Something  to 
l)ut  on  that  I  don't  want  from  you." 

f^iiefition. 

Hold  the  extended  and  flattened  right  hand,  palm  forward,  at  the 
height  of  the  shoulder  or  face,  and  about  fifteen  inches  from  it,  shaking 
the  hand  from  side  to  side  (at  the  wrist)  as  the  arm  is  slightly  raised, 
resembling  the  outline  of  an  interrogation  mark  (?)  made  from  below 
upward.  (Absarolcal;  JMlote  V,  VI,  VII ;  Hidatsal;  Kaiowa  I;  Art- 
Tcara  I ;  Comanche  II,  III ;  Pai-  Ute  I ;  Shonhoni  and  Banak  I ;  Ute  I ; 
Apache  I,  II ;    Wichita  II.) 

What?  What  is  it? 


First  attract  the  person's  notice  by  the  sign  for  Attention,  and 
Then  the  right-hand,  lingers  extended,  pointing  forward  or  outward,  fiu- 


311 

gers  joined,  &c.,  horizontal,  is  carried  outward,  obliquely  in  front  of  the 
right  breaat,  and  there  turned  partially  over  and  under  several  times. 
(Dakota  I.) 

What  are  you  doing  ?    What  do  you  vant? 


Throw  the  right  liand  about  a  foot  from  right  to  left  several  times, 
describing  an  arc  upward,  palm  itiward,  fingers  slightly  bent  and  separ- 
ated, and  pointing  forward.     {Dakota  IV.) 

What  are  youf  i.  e.,  What  tribe  do  you  belong  to  ? 


Shake  the  upright  opened  right  hand  four  to  eight  inches  from  aide 
to  side  a  few  times,  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches  in  ^"-ont  of  tlie  chin, 
the  palm  forward,  fingers  relaxed  and  a  little  separated.    {Dakota  IV.) 

Place  the  fiat  right  hand  at  some  distance  in  front  of  and  as  high  as 
the  shoulder,  palm  forward  and  downward,  then  shake  the  hand  from 
side  to  side,  passing  it  slightly  forward  and  upward  at  the  same  time. 
{Dakota  VII.) 

Pass  the  right  hand  from  left  to  right  across  the  face.    {Kutlne  I.) 

What  do  you  want? 


The  arm  is  drawn  to  front  of  chest  aud  the  hand  in  position  (HT 1), 
modified  by  palms  being  downward  and  hand  horizontal.  From  the 
chest  center  the  hand  is  then  passed  spirally  forward  toward  the  one 
addressed;  the  hand's  palm  begins  the  spiral  motion  with  a  downward 
and  ends  in  an  upward  a8])ect.     (Oto  I.)     "To  unwind  or  open." 

Who  are  you?  or,  what  is  your  name  ? 


The  right  or  left  hand  approximates  close  to  center  of  the  body;  the 
arm  is  fiexed  and  hand  in  position  (D),  or  a  little  more  closed.  From 
inception  of  sign  near  center  of  body  the  hand  slowly  describes  the  arc 
of  {  quadrant,  and  fingers  unfold  as  the  hand  recedes.  We  think  tlie 
proper  intention  is,  for  the  incei)tion  of  sign  to  be  located  at  the 
heart,  but  it  is  seldom  truly,  anatomically  thus  located.  {Oto  I.)  "To 
unfold  one's  self  or  make  known." 

Are  you  through  ? 


With  arms  hanging  at  the  side  and  forearms  horizontal,  place  the  fists 
near  each  other  in  front  of  body ;  then  with  a  quick  motion  separate 
them  as  though  breaking  something  asunder.    {Sahaptin  I.) 

Do  you  know  ? 


Shake  the  right  hand  in  front  of  the  face,  a  little  to  the  right,  the 
whole  arm  elevated  so  as  to  throw  the  hand  even  with  the  face,  and  the 
forearm  standing  almost  perpendicular.  Principal  motion  with  hand, 
slight  motion  of  forearm,  palm  out.    {Sahaptin  I.) 


312 


How  far  is  it  ? 


1J':1 


Kjii  ■"■■!;** 


Sign  for  Do  yoii  know?  followed  with  a  precise  iiioveinent  throw- 
ing right  hand  (palm  toward  tace)  to  a  position  as  far  from  body  as 
convenient,  signifying  "far?";  then  witli  the  same  quick,  precise  mo- 
tion, bring  the  hand  to  a  position  near  the  face — near?     {ISahaptin  I.) 

How  will  you  go — horseback  or  in  wagon  ? 


First  make  the  sign  tor  Do  yoil  know!  then  throw  right  hand 
forward — "go  or  going,";  then  throw  fore  and  middle  fingers  of  right 
astride  the  forefinger  of  the  left  hand,  signifying,  "will  you  ride?"; 
then  swing  the  forefingers  of  each  hand  around  each  other,  sign  of  wheel 
running,  signifying,  "or  will  you  go  in  wagon?"    {Sahaptin  1.) 

DIALOGUES,  ETC. 

The  following  conversation  took  place  at  Washington,  in  April,  1880, 
between  Tkxdoy,  chief  of  the  Slioshoni  and  Banak  Indians  of  Idaho,  and 
Hi'EitiTO,  one  of  the  Apache  chiefs  from  New  Mexico,  in  the  presence 
of  Dr.  \V.  J.  Hoffman.  Neither  of  these  Indians  si>oke  any  language 
known  to  the  other,  or  had  ever  met  or  heard  of  one  another  before  that 
occasion : 

HuEuiTo.— Who  are  you  f 

Place  the  flat  and  extended  right  hand,  palm  forward,  about  twelve 
inclies  in  front  of  and  as  higli  as  the  shoulder,  then  shake  the  hand 
from  side  to  side  as  it  is  moved  forward  and  upward — question,  who 
are  you  f 

Tendov. — ^hoMlioni  chief. 

Place  the  (;losed  right  hand  near  the  right  hip,  leaving  the  index 
only  extended,  palm  down ;  then  pass  the  hand  toward  the  front  and 
left,  rotating  the  haiul  from  side  to  side— Shonhoni ;  then  place  the 
closed  hand,  with  the  index  extended  and  pointing  upward,  near  the 
right  cheek,  pass  it  upward  as  high  as  the  head,  then  turn  it  forward 
and  downward  toward  the  ground,  terminating  with  the  movement  a 
little  below  the  initial  point — chief. 

HuERiTo.— How  old  are  you  I 

Clinch  both  hands  and  cross  the  forearms  before  the  breast  with  a 
trembling  motion — coM — winters,  years;  then  elevate  the  left  hand  as 
high  as  the  neck  and  about  twelve  or  fifteen  inches  before  it,  palm  to- 
ward the  face,  with  fingers  extended  and  pointing  upward ;  then,  with 
the  index,  turn  down  one  finger  after  another  slowly,  beginning  at  the 
little  finger,  until  three  or  four  are  folded  against  the  palm,  and  look  in- 
quiringly at  the  person  addressed— /to «c  many. 


m 


ai3 

Tkndoy.— Filty-six. 

(Hose  and  cxteiid  the  tin«j(M's  and  tliuinl),s  of  both  hands,  with  the 
palms  forward,  fivo  VmwH—Jiftif;  then  extend  the  finders  and  thnnd)  of 
tlie  h'ft  hand,  dose  the  ri«ht,  and  i)hice  the  extended  thnnd)  ah)ngsido 
of  and  near  the  left  thnnd) — six. 

HuERiTo.— Very  well.     Are  there  any  luiffhlo  In  your 

eountry  ? 

IMaee  the  Ihit  riyht  hand,  i)ointin}'  to  the  lelt,  with  the  ]>,ilni  down? 
aj^ainst  the  breast-bone;  then  move  it  forward  and  sliylitly  to  the  riyht 
and  in  a  (!nr\  e  ni)ward ;  make  tlie  gesture  rather  slowly  and  nearly  to 
arm's  !enf;th  (otherwise,  /.  «?.,  if  made  Isastiiy  and  but  a  short  distance, 
it  would  oidy  mean  iiotxl) — irri/  f/ood  ;  i)laee  both  (closed  iiands  fo  their 
respeetixe  sides  of  the  head,  i)alms  toward  the  hair,  leaving'  the  foretin- 
gi'As  mvvM—hiitf((l(> ;  then  reach  out  the  list  to  arm's  lenjitl'  toward  the 
west,  and  throw  it  fon-ibiy  toward  the  {-round  for  a  distance  c  f  about 
six  inches,  edf^e  downward— t'o)(H<;,i/,  «/(vn/  to  the  iccst ;  then  j'oint  tlie 
curved  index  ratlu-r  quickly  and  carelessly  toward  the  person  ad- 
dressed— your. 

Tendoy.— Yexi ;  many  binek  Itiiflnlo. 

Pass  the  closed  rij-ht  hand,  with  the  index  partly  Hexed,  to  a  posi- 
tion about  eight  iiu^hes  before  the  rijiht  collar-bone,  and,  as  the  hand 
reaches  that  elevation,  cpnckly  (ilose  the  index — yes;  tlu'u  make  the 
same  sign  as  in  tiie  ])receding  <iuestion  for  huf'alo ;  tonc^h  the  hair  on 
the  right  side  of  the  head  with  the  palms  of  the  extended  tingers  of 
the  right  hand — blacl: ;  spread  the  curved  tiiigers  and  tlnnnb-^  of  both 
hands,  place  them  before  either  thigh,  pointing  downward;  then  draw 
them  toward  one  another  and  upward  a?  high  as  the  stomach,  so  that 
the  fingers  will  ])oint  toward  one  another,  or  may  be  interlaced — many. 

Tendoy.— Did  you  hear  anything-  fVoin  the  Seeretary? 

If  NO,  tell  nie. 

Close  the  right  hand,  leaving  the  index  and  thumb  widely  se])arated; 
pass  it  by  the  ear  from  the  back  of  the  ear  downward  and  toward  the 
chin,  palm  toward  the  head — hear;  i)oint  to  the  individual  addressed — 
yon;  close  the  hand  again,  leaving  the  index  and  thumb  sei)arated 
as  in  the  sign  for  Hear  and  i)la(;ing  the  palmar  snrtiuie  of  the  finger 
horizontally  across  the  forehead,  i)ointing  to  the  left,  allow  the  thund) 
to  rest  against  the  right  tem])le;  then  draw  the  index  across  the  fore- 
head from  left  to  right,  leaving  the  thumb  touching  the  head — white 
man;  then  place  the  closed  hand,  with  elevated  index,  before  the  right 
side  of  the  neck  or  in  front  of  the  toj)  of  the  shoulder;  pass  the  in- 
dex, pointing  upward,  as  high  as  the  to])  of  the  head ;  turn  it  forward 
and  downward  as  far  as  the  breast — chief;  pass  the  extended  index, 
pointing  upward  and  forward,  forward  from  the  mouth  twice — talk ; 


314 

tlion  open  and  flnttoii  tlii>  liaiid,  palm  up,  outer  odjjo  toward  the  face, 
place  it  about  fifteen  iuelies  in  front  of  the  ciiin,  an<l  draw  it  horizontally 
inward  until  the  hand  nearly  tou(!hes  thi^  neek — tcU  me. 

IIUEBixo. — He  fold  lilt'  that  in  roiir  (la>N  I  would  fto  to 

my  t'oiiiiti*> . 

Close  the  rif^ht  hand,  leaviu};  the  index  curved  ;  place  it  about  six 
inches  from  the  ear  ami  move  it  in  toward  the  external  meatuu — 
tohl  me ;  with  the  ri}>;ht  hand  still  dosed,  form  a  circle  with  the  index 
and  thumb  by  allowiii};'  their  tips  to  touch;  pass  the  hand  from  east 
lowest  at  arm's  lenjfth — day;  jthute  the  left  hand  before  the  breast, 
the  finders  extended,  and  tlu^  tliumb  restinj;'  aj-aiust  the  palm,  back 
forward,  and,  with  the  index,  turn  down  one  fiufjer  after  another, 
beftiuninji'  at  the  lit^tle  f1nf;er— ;/*»«/•/  touch  the  breast  with  the  tijis  of 
the  finger  and  thumb  of  the  left  haiul  collected  to  a  point;  drop  the 
hand  a  short  distance  and  move  it  forward  to  arm's  lenj^th  and  slightly 
upward  until  it  i)oints  above  the  horizon — /,  (jo  to*  ;  then,  as  the  arm  is 
extended,  throw  the  fist  edgewise^  toward  the  f^rouiid — mif  country, 

Texdov. — In  tno  dayM  I  ;;o  lo  my  country  .jiiwf  aw  you 
go  to  yoiii'M.  I  ft'o  to  ikiiiie  uliere  there  Im  a  ;;:i*eat 
deal  of  Miiow,  and  we  Mliall  wee  eaeli  other  no  more. 

Place  the  Hat  hands,  horizontally,  about  two  feet  apart,  move  them 
quickly  in  an  upward  curve  towan'  one  another  until  the  ripht  lies 
across  the  left — ni</ht ^  repeat  this  sij^n — tico  nujhtu  (literally,  two  sleeps 
hence);  point  toward  the  individual  addressed  with  the  right  hand — 
yoit;  and  in  a  continuous  movement  i)ass  the  hand  to  the  right,  /.  c., 
toward  the  south,  nearly  to  arm's  length — cfo;  then  throw  the  list  edge- 
wise toward  the  ground  at  that  distance — your  country;  then  touch  the 
breast  with  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the  left  hand — i";  move  the  hand 
off  slowly  toward  the  left,  i.  c,  toward  the  north,  to  arm's  length — go 
to*;  and  throw  the  clinched  hand  toward  the  ground — my  country; 
then  hold  both  hands  toward  the  left  as  high  as  the  head,  palms  down, 
with  fingers  and  thumbs  pendent  and  separated;  move  them  toward 
the  ground  two  or  three  rimes — rain ;  then  place  the  Hat  hands  hori- 
zontally to  the  left  of  the  body  about  two  feet  from  the  ground — deep; 
(literally,  deep  rain)  snow — and  raise  them  until  about  three  feet  from 
the  ground — very  deep — much;  place  the  hands  before  the  body  about 
twelve  inches  .apart,  palms  down,  with  foretingers  only  extended  and 
pointing  toward  one  iuu)ther;  push  them  toward  and  from  one  another 
several  times — see  each  other;  then  hold  the  flat  right  hand  in  front  of 
the  breast,  pointing  forward,  palm  to  the  left,  and  throw  it  over  on  its 
back  toward  the  right — not,  no  more. 

Explanatory  Note. — Where  the  asterisks  appear  in  the  above  dia- 
logue the  preposition  to  is  included  in  the  gesture.  After  touching  the 
breast  for  i,  the  slow  movement  forward  signifies  going  to,  and  country 


315 

is  Hijjiiifiod  l»y  lociitiiifj  it  at  arm's  hui^-tli  towiinl  tlio  west,  t()  thi^  left 
of  tilt'  {^osturor,  as  tlic  stoppiiitiplaco,  also  posscsxioii  hj-  tlm  cliiiclu'd 
fist  l)('iii}>(liR'(!t«'(l  toward  ilie  ^rroiiiid.  It  is  tiic  same  as  for  iin/  or  itiine, 
tlioiiKli  made  iM'foro  the  body  in  the  hitter  sinus,  Tiie  direction  of  Teii- 
d(>y's  liaiids,  tirst  to  tiie  soiitli  and  afterward  to  the  north,  was  nn(h'r- 
stood  not  as  pointing'  to  tiie  exae.t  ioisility  of  tin;  two  i»arts  of  tlie 
country,  but  to  tlie  ditterenee  in  their  resiiective  lilimates. 


PA^IUCIO'S  NAHUATIVH 

Tliis  narrative  was  obtained  in  .Inly,  1880,  by  Dr.  Francis  II.  Atkins, 
actin}if  assistant  surjieon,  United  States  Army,  at  Soutii  F(»rk,  New 
Mexieo,  from  Ti-IM'MIKS-ti.kl  (Slit'epslvin-let!:;fin;(s),  iial>itua!ly  called 
Tatricio,  an  intelli}>'ent  younfj  Mcscalero  Apache.  It  f."ives  an  ac(;onnt 
of  what  is  locally  termed  the  "April  Hound-up,"  which  was  the  disarm- 
infj  and  imprisoning;'  by  a  cavalry  eonunand  of  the  Tnited  States  Army, 
of  the  small  Ai)ache  subtribe  to  wliich  tlu^  narrator  belonjjed.  The  ref- 
erences to  sij^iis  not  described  are  to  the  contributions  of  l)r.  ATKINS, 
marked  in  the  Vocaiutlaby  {Apache  III). 

(I)  Left  hand  on  edj^e,  curved,  i)alm  forward,  extended  backward 
lenjith  of  arm  toward  the  West  {far  iccstward). 

{'2)  Arms  same,  turned  hand,  tips  dow^i,  and  moved  it  from  north  to 
south  [river). 

(3)  Dipped  same  hand  several  times  above  and  beyond  last  line  {be- 
yoiuJ). 

(■t)  Hand  curved  (Y,  more  flexed)  and  laid  on  its  back  on  top  of  his 
foot  {inovcasins  much  curved  up  at  toe);  then  drew  hands  up  lej,'s  to  near 
knee,  and  cuts  ott'  with  edj;es  of  hands  {boot  topn).  { Warm  iSpriiiy 
Aj)achesj  who  wear  booted  moccasins  with  turn-up  toes.) 

(."))  Hands  held  before  him,  tips  near  to<;ether,  fiiifjers  {i'athered  (U)  ; 
then  alternately  opened  and  jjathered  tiufjers  of  both  hands  (P  to  U,  U 
to  P),  and  thrustiny  them  toward  each  other  a  few  times  {nhot  or 
Jellied  many). 

((>)  Uehl  hands  six  inches  from  side  of  head,  thumbs  and  forefingers 
widely  separated  {Mexican,  i.  e.,  wearn  a  broad  hat). 

(7)  Hehl  right  liand  on  edge,  palm  toward  him,  threw  it  on  its  back, 
forward  und  downward  sharply  toward  earth  (T  on  edge  to  X),  {dead, 
80  many  dead). 

(8)  Put  thumbs  to  temples  and  indices  forward,  meeting  in  front, 
other  fingers  closed  {soldiers,  i.  e.,  cap-visor.) 

(9)  liepeated  No.  5  and  No.  7  {were  also  shot  dead). 

(10)  riaced  first  and  second  fingers  of  right  hand  (others  closed) 
astride  of  left  index,  held  horizontally  {horses). 

(II)  Held  hands  on  edge  and  forward  (T  on  edge  forward),  pushed 
them  forward,  waving  vertically  {marching,  which  see ;  also,  travel  or 


3ie 


m 


fiilht,  i.  e.,  ran  off  with  Hotiliirn^  horsen  ov  others).  N.  |{. — ir.siiifj  both 
haiuls  iii(li(;at(>s  (ioultht  niiiks  of  tniojis  iiiiinrliiiiK'  iils(». 

(VJ)  Stnuik  ritfht  H.st  lurross  in  front  of  (!hin  from  right  to  h'ft  sharply 
(h(ul). 

(l.'{)   Uei»('at»'(l  No,  4  (  Wiiriii  Sprint/  AfKirhr). 

(It)  .Movod  (ist,  tliiiinb  to  head,  from  n-iitcr  of  foruhoad  to  right  tetn- 
ph^  and  a  UttU'  backward  [fool). 

(1.'))  Repeated  No.  .S  and  No.  11  {HoUlierx  ritfiuff  in  double  column). 

(l(i)  Thrust  right  hand  down  over  and  beyond  left,  both  palms  duwu 
(W)  (came  here). 

(17)  Repeated  No.  8  (sohlicr). 

(18)  Toneiied  hair  (hair). 

(1.1»)  Tonehed  tent  {>iuite  whit,). 

(liO)  Toneiied  to|)  of  shonlder  {rommissioned  officer,  i,  <'.,  nhoulder- 
straps). 

(21)  Tlirnst  both  hands  n\t  high  (hiffh  ranic). 

(2li)  Rigiitfor(!linger  to  forehead;  waved  it  about  in  front  of  face  and 
rctlled  head  about  (|)riniarily  fool,  but  (lualilled  in  this  case  by  the  inter- 
l>reter  as  no  sahe  much). 

(2.'{)  Drew  iiands  up  his  tliighs  and  body  and  i>ointed  to  himself 
(Mescalero  Indian,  ij.  r.). 

(24)  Approximated  hands  before  him,  i)alms  down,  with  tliumbs  and 
indices  widely  separated,  as  if  inclosing  a  circle  {captured,  i.  e.,  corralled, 
surrounded), 

(2.'))  Placed  tips  of  hands  together,  wrists  ai)art,  held  them  erect  (T, 
both  hands  iiu^lined),  (house ;  in  this  case  the  agency). 

(20)  Threw  both  hands,  ])alms  back,  forward  aiul  downward,  moving 
from  knuckles  (metacarpophalangeal joint)  only,  several  times  (issuing 
rations). 

(27)  Thrust  two  fingers  (]V)  toward  mouth  and  downward  (food). 

(28)  Kepcated  No.  2.1  (house);  outlined  a  hemispherical  object  (wick-i- 
itj));  repeated  these  several  times,  bringing  the  hands  with  emphasis 
several  times  down  toward  the  earth  (villaye  permanently  here). 

(29)  Repeated  No.  2o  several  times  and  pointed  to  a  neighboring 
hillside  (village  over  there). 

(iJO)  Repeated  Nos.  17  to  21,  inclusive  (General  X). 

(31)  Thrust  two  fingers  forward  fro.a  his  eyes  (primarily  I  see ;  also 
I  saw,  or  there  icerc). 

(32)  Repeated  No.  11  (toward  said  hillside),  (troops  went  over  there  with 
General  X). 

(33)  Repeated  N^o.  4,  adding  swept  indices  around  head  and  touched 
red  paper  on  a  tobacco  wrapper  (San  Carlos  Apaches,  scouts  esi)ecially 
distinguished  by  wearing  a  red  fillet  about  the  head  );  also  added,  drew 
indices  across  each  cheek  from  nose  outward  (were  much  painted). 

(34)  Repeated  No.  24  and  No.  23  (to  capture  the  Mescalero  Indians). 

(35)  Repeated  No.  31  (there  were). 


317 

(M)  Rt'iM'iitctl  No.  'X\  {San  Carhn  Hcoutii), 
(37)  U«'in'at«'(l  N'i».  H  (nntl  xoUUerH). 

(.'W)  (Miispi'd  liis  liiuids  till'iisively  before  his  breast  («o  many!  i.  c,  a 
jjrcal  many), 

(IM)  li»'|K'at('(l  No.  .'{1  (f  mw). 

(40)  U*'|M-iit(>d  No.  L'.'{  {my  imntlc). 

(41)  Hroii^rlit  OstH  to^etliot-  iiiitlercliiii,  and  liii^j^ed  Ids  arms  close  to 
Ins  bri'ast,  with  a  shiini<iii};  motion  of  body  {afraid). 

(42)  Struck  off  half  of  left  in(hix  with  rij;ht  index  {halj\  or  a  portion). 
(4.'{)  Waved  off  laterally  and  npwaid  with  both  hands  briskly  {fled). 

(44)  Projected  circled  rij^ht  thumb  and  index  to  eastern  Inu'i/on,  theneo 
to  zeiuth  {next  morninf),  i.  e.,  sunrise  to  noon). 

(45)  Repeated  No.  li.'t  {tite  McHcaleros). 

(40)  Held  hands  in  position  of  ainiini;  a  ^un — left  obliciue — (nhooi). 

(47)  Waved  ri^ht  index  briskly  before  ri^fht  shoulder  (mo,  did  not; 
iieyation). 

(4S)  Swept  his  hand  from  behind  forward,  i)alin  up  (Y)  {the  others 
vamc). 

(4<.t)  Repeated  No.  o  {and  shot). 

(50)  Repeated  No.  li;J  {the  Mesmleros). 

(51)  Re[)eated  No.  7  (many  dead). 

(52)  Itepeated  No.  8  {.soldiers). 

(5.'{)  Repeated  No.  10  {horse,  mounted), 

(54)  Hand  forward,  i)alm  down  (W)  moved  forward  and  up  and  down 
{irallxiny,  i.  e.,  infantry). 

{'*'))  Heckoned  with  ri^ht  hand,  two  fingers  curved  (IV  horizontal  and 
curved)  {came). 

(5(})  Repeated  No.  11  {marehiny). 

(57)  Uepeated  No.  '.'8  {to  this  eamp,  or  rillaye). 

(58)  Repeated  Nt>.  '.'  f  ((r*7/(  Mescaleros). 

(.)9)  Repeated  No.  Ii4  {<ts  prisoners,  surrounded). 
(00)  Repeated  No.  .'}.'{  {S<in  Carlos  seouts). 

((il)  Placed  hands,  s|)read  out  (R  inverted),  tips  down,  about  waist 
[many  cartridyes). 

(02)  Rei)f  ;"ted  No.  40  {and  yuns). 

(03)  Repeated  No.  5  {shot  many). 

(04)  Repeated  No.  4  (  Warm  Spring  Apaches). 

(05)  Repeated  No.  23  {and  Mescaleros). 

(00)  Moved  fist— ^thund)s  1o  head —  across  his  forehead  from  right  to 
left,  and  cast  it  toward  earth  over  left  shoulder  {brave,  L  e.,  the  San  Car- 
los scouts  are  brave). 

CONTINUOITS   TRANSLATION   OF   THE   ABOVE. 

Far  westward  beyond  the  Rio  Grande  are  the  Warm  Spring  Apaches, 
who  killed  many  Mexicans  and  soldiers  and  stole  their  horses.  They 
(the  United  States  soldiers)  are  bad  and  fools. 


8  IS 

Some  oavalry  came  here  antler  an  aijed  oflicer  of  liifjh  riiiik,  but  of 
inferior  intelli;>en(re,  to  ('ai)tiu'e  the  Me8(!alero  Indians. 

The  Mescaleros  \vish«Ml  to  liave  tlieir  village  permanently  here  by  the 
agency,  an<l  to  re;!eive  tlieir  rations,  /.  e.,  were  [)eacefn;iy  inclined. 

Onr  \iUa}>e  was  over  there,  I  saw  the  jjeneral  (!om(;  with  troops  and 
San  Oarlos  scouts  to  surround  (or  capture)  tlu;  Mescalero  Iiidians.  There 
were  a  great  many  San  Carlos  scouts  ami  sohliers. 

I  saw  that  my  pe()ple  were  afraid,  and  half  ot  them  Hed. 

Next  mornin}f  the  Mescaleros  did  not  shoot  (were  not  hostile).  The 
others  came  and  killed  many  Mescaleros.  The  cavalry  and  infantry 
brought  us  (the  Mescaleros)  to  this  camp  as  jtrisoners. 

The  San  Carlos  sciouts  were  well  supplied  with  ammunition  and  jjuns, 
and  shot  many  Warm  Spring  Imlians  and  Mescaleros-. 

The  San  Carlos  scouts  are  brave  men. 

TSODIAKO'S  HKPOKT. 


i^'<M 


The  followinu'  statement  was  made  to  Dr.  W.  .1.  llolfiuan  by  Tsoi)i.(ko 
(Sliitnd  livail  Jio//),  ci'.ict  of  tin-  NVic'.iitas  in  Indian  Territory,  vyliije  on 
a  visit  to  Wasliinjito  I,  1).  C,  in  tluue,  ISSO. 

The  ludinn  beinj;'  asked  whether  there  was  iiny  tiiuber  in  his  part  of 
the  Territory,  replied  in  si<;iis  as  follows: 

(1)  ^love  the  rij;ht  hand,  linjicrs  loosely  extended,  separated  and 
poinliny  upward,  back  to  the  front,  njtward  from  the  height  of  the  waist 
to  the  front  of  the  iace  -  tree;  repeat  this  two  or  three  tir.u's — trees ;  (2) 
then  hold  the  hand,  lirijicrs  extended  and  joined,  lutint'cifi'  u])ward,  with 
the  back  to  the  front,  and  i»usli  it  forward  toward  iiilVcient  points  on  a 
level  with  the  face — xtaiidinji  at  rarioKs  plnrrs ;  (,'5)  both  l.ands,  >vith 
spread  and  slij;htly  curved  linj'ers,  arc  held  about  two  feet  apart,  before 
the  thijjhs,  palms  facin<;',  then  draw  them  toward  one  :i!«.;!tiier  horizon- 
tally and  gradually  upward  un^il  the  wrists  cross,  as  if  };raspin<'-  a 
buntrh  of  iurass  and  i>ullinf;' it  up — iiuiiiif  :  ( t)  jutiut  t(t  the  southwest 
with  tli(!  indey,  elevating'  it  a  little  above  ,hc  horizon — eoitiitri/ ;  (5) 
tluMi  throw  the  (1st  ed^icwise  toward  the  srrfacc,  ii'  that  direction — 
»»//,  mine;  ((!)  place  Itoth  hantls,  extended.  Hat,  edgewise  before  the 
body,  the  left  below  the  ri{;ht,  and  l)o(h  edyes  poinlin}'  toward  the 
ground  a  short  d:.  tancc  to  the  Ictt  of  tlie  body,  then  make  rejteated 
cuts  toward  that  direction  trom  dilfevcnt  i»oints,  the  teriniMation  of  each 
cut  ending  at  nearly  the  same  lioUit—CHt  down  ;  (7)  hold  the  left  hand 
with  t'le  lingers  and  thumb  collected  to  a  point,  directed  Inuizontally 
forward,  and  make  sevei.'J  cutting  motions  with  the  edge  of  the  Hat 
right  hand  transversely  by  the  tips  of  the  left,  and  upon  the  wrist^ — cut 
o(}'  the  cadft ;  (.S)  tht  i:  tit  upt.u  the  left  hantl,  still  heltl  in  the  saiPe  juisi- 
tii;;i,  with  tlw  right,  the  cuts  being  ])arallel  to  the  Itt.igitudinal  axis  of 
the  i>alm — spiit ;  (0)  botii  hantls  clt)sed  in  front  t)f  the  body,  about  four 
inches  ai»art,  with  Ibreliugers  untl  thumbs  apjcoxiinating  half  circles, 


319 


palms  toward  tlio  ftroiuid,  move  tluMii  forward  so  that  tlio  back  of  the 
hand  conios  forward  and  the  half  circles  imitate  the  movement  of 
wheels — in:<ion  ;  (10)  iiold  the  left  tlat  hand  before  the  body,  i)ointing 
horizontally  forward,  witli  tlie  i)alm  down,  then  brinjj  the  rijiht  tlat 
liand  from  the  vij;iit  side  and  shij)  tlie  i)alm  npon  the  back  of  tlu^  left 
several  times — load  upon  ;  (11)  partly  close  tlie  rij,dit  hand  as  if  j>rasp- 
inj>'  a  thick  rod,  i)alm  toward  tin  {ground,  and  pnsii  it  straiylit  forward 
nearly  to  arm's  UMijuth — take;  (12)  liold  both  hands  with  finjuers  natnrally 
extended  and  sli^^htly  separated  nearly  at  arm's  leiijith  before  the  body, 
palms  down,  the  rijiht  lyinj;  npon  the  left,  then  i)ass  the  npi)er  forward 
and  downward  from  the  left  qnickly,  so  that  the  wrist  of  the  rij^lit  is 
raised  and  tlie  fin<;ers  jjoint  earthward — throw  of;  (III)  cnt  the  left 
palm  rei)eatedly  with  tlieoiiteredjje  of  the  extended  rif-ht  hand — hitlld  ; 
(11)  hold  botli  hands  edgewise  before  the  bosly,  palms  ta(  iii};,  si)read 
the  tinji'ers  and  i)lace  those  of  one  hand  into  the  spaces  between  those 
of  the  left,  so  that  the  tips  of  one  protrnde  beyond  the  backs  of  ;he 
iinjicrs  of  the  other — Ion  hoKse ;  (l."»)  then  place  tlie  thit  rijilit  hand, 
palm  down  and  tin}>ers  p(>intinfi'  to  the  left,  against  the  breast  and  move 
it  forward,  and  slightly  npward  and  to  the  right — tjood. 

ANALYSIS   OV   TiriO   KOKECOINO. 
[There  is|  much  |  timber  |  [in]  my  |  coniitry  |  [of  which  I J  cnt  down 

Ci)  (l.l-'l  (">')  (4)      '  im 

[some],  I   trimmed,  |   split,  |   loaded  it  npon  |  [a|  wagon   [and]  |  took  it 

(7)  (H)  (1(1)  (0)  (111 

away,  |  [where  I]  threw  [it]  ort"  |  [and]  built  |    [a]  good  |  house  |  . 

(!■-')  (i:t)  (15)  (14) 

XoTKS. — As  will  be  seen^  the  Wvird  tillllu'l*  is  cc'iposed  of  signs  Xo. 
1  and  2,  signifying  Iret';*  wf  aildillK'<  '"^ig"  ^"i'-  '5,  for  many,  in  liiis 
instance,  as  in  similar  other  examples,  becomes  iiiiicli.  The  word  in, 
iu  connection  with  4'Olinll'y  aii'I  my,  is  expressed  by  the  gesture  of 
jointing  (jiassiiig  tlie  hand  less  (|'iickly  tli  in  in  ordinary  sign  language), 
Defore  making  sign  Xo.  i.  Tiiat  sign,  commonly  given  for  |iOM<WN!>>ioil, 
would,  without  the  prefix  of  indication,  imply  my  t'uiinf  l*y,  and  with 
that  prefix  signifies  in  my  4>oiintl*y.  Sign  X^o.  7,  li'immtMl,  is  in- 
dicated by  diopping  otV  the  ends,  and  facial  expression  denoting  MntiK- 
i*ai*tion.  Jn  ign  X'^os.  11  and  IL*,  the  gestures  wen*  continuous,  but  at 
the  termination  of  the  latter  the  narrator  straightened  himself  some- 
what, denoting  that  he  had  overcome  the  greater  part  of  the  labor. 
Sign  Xo.  1-1,  denotes  ioft'-ilOIIMC  from  liie  miUiuer  of  interlacing  the 
ttngerends,  thus  representing  the  corner  of  a  log-house,  and  the  ar- 
i-iiugement  of  the  ends  of  the  same.  Indian  lodjff  would  be  indi- 
cated by  another  sign,  although  the  latter  is  often  used  as  an  abbrevia- 
tion for  the  former,  when  the  subject  of  conversation  is  known  to  all 
present. 


•V 


■ 


SIGNALS. 


The  collaborators  in  the  prosent  work  have  not  {jfeiierally  responded  to 
the  request  to  communicate  material  uiuler  this  head.  It  is,  liowever, 
hoped  that  by  now  printinj^'  some  extracts  from  published  works  and 
the  few  unpublished  statements  recently  procured,  tlie  attention  of  ob- 
servers will  be  directed  to  the  further  prosecution  of  research  in  this 
direction. 

The  term  "signal"  is  here  used  in  distinction  from  thesifjus  noted  in  the 
Vocahulauy,  as  beiutf  some  action  or  manifestation  intend<'d  to  be 
seen  at  a  distance,  and  not  al!(nvinf>of  the  minuteness  or  detail  possible 
in  close  converse.  Signals  may  be  executed,  first,  exclusively  by  bodily 
action  ;  second,  by  Mction  of  the  i)erson  in  c(»niiL'ction  with  objects,  such 
as  a  blanket,  or  a  lance,  or  in  the  direction  iini)arted  to  a  horse;  thirvl, 
by  various  devices,  such  as  smoke  or  tire-arrows,  when  the  person  of  the 
sij^nalist  is  not  visible.  They  are  almost  entirely  conventional,  and 
while  their  study  has  not  the  same  kiud  of  importance, as  that  of  gest- 
ure-signs, it  possesses  some  peculiar  interest. 


SIGNALS  EXECUTED  JiV  BODILY  ACTION. 

Some  of  these  will  [)robably  be  found  .,i  be  identical,  or  nearly  so,  with 
the  gesture-signs  used  by  the  sauie  peoph-. 

Alarm.     See  notes  on  Clieyenne  and  xVrapaho  signals. 

Aii;;er. 

Close  tlie  hand,  place  it  against  the  forehead,  and  turn  it  back  and 
forth  while  in  tinit  position.  {Thirty  Yetos  of  Army  Life  on  the  Border^ 
by  Col.  It.  15.  Marcy,  U.  S.  A.,  p.  .U,  New  York,  186(5.)  " 

€oiiie  here. 

The  right  hand  is  to  be  advanced  about  eighteen  inches  at  the  he'ght 
of  the  navel,  horizontal,  relaxed,  palm  downward,  thuiub  in  the  palm; 
then  draw  it  near  tlie  side  and  at  the  same  time  drop  the  hand  to  bring 
the  palm  backward.  The  farther  away  the  person  called  is,  tiie  higher 
the  hand  is  raised.  If  very  far  oft",  tlie  hand  is  raised  high  up  over  the 
head  and  then  swung  forward  and  downward,  then  backward  and  down- 
ward to  the  side.     {DalotnW.) 

Dailf^^er.     (There  is  something  dangerous  in  that  place.) 
Right  hand  index-^iiiger  and  thumb  forming  a  curve,  the  other  fingers 

380 


321 


mi 


closed ;  move  the  riplit  hand  forward,  pointing  in  the  direction  of  the 
dangerous  i)hice  or  animal.     {Omaha  I.) 

Defiance. 

Right  hand  index  and  middle  lingers  open ;  motioii  toward  1  lie  enemy. 
"  I  do  not  fear  you."  lieverse  the  motion,  bringing  the  hand  toward  the 
subject..     "  Do  your  worst  to  me."     (Omaha  1.) 

Direction*     Pi' ss  around  that  object  or  place  near  you — she-iheti- 

dlu't-ga. 
When  a  man  is  at  a  distance,  I  say  to  him  "  Go  around  that  way.'" 
Describe  a  curve  by  raising  the  hand  abo  e  the  head,  forefinger  open, 
move  to  right  or  left  accordiiig  to  direction  intended  and  hand  tiiat  is 
used,  i.  e.,  move  to  tiie  left,  use  right  hand  ;  move  to  the  right,  use  left 
hand.     {Omaha  I  ]  Ponka  I.) 

Halt!     (To  in(piire  disposition.) 

Kaise  the  right  hand  with  the  i)alm  in  front  and  gradusilly  jjush  it 
forward  and  back  several  times ;  if  they  are  not  hostile  it  will  at  once 
be  obeyed.  {The  Prairie  Trareler,  by  Itandolph  B.  Marcy,  p.  214,  New 
York,  18.59.) 

Stand  there  !     lie  is  coming  to  you. 

Itight  hand  extended.  Hat,  edgewise,  moved  downward  several  times. 
{Omaha  I.) 

He  is  going  toward  you. 

Hold  the  open  right  hand,  jtalm  to  the  left,  with  the  tips  of  the  tingers 
toward  t lie  person  signaled  to;  thrust  the  liand  forward  in  either  au 
upward  or  u»^  vvnward  curve.     {Omaha  I ;  Ponlca  I.) 

Lie  down  flat  where  you  iwa  (she-dhu  bis-pe  zha°'-ga). 

Extend  the  right  arm  in  the  direction  of  the  person  signaled  to,  having 
the  ])alm  down ;  move  downward  by  degrees  to  about  the  knees. 
Omaha  I  ;  Ponka  I.) 

Peace ;  Frienclmliip. 

Hohl  up  palm  of  hand. — Observed  as  made  by  an  Indian  of  the  Kan- 
sas tribe  in  1S.'>.'$.  {Indian  ISketohcs,  by  John  T.  Irving,  vol.  ii,  p.  253, 
Philadelphia,  IH.'Jf).) 

Elevate  the  outstretched  hands  wide  open  and  fingers  parted  above 
arul  on  either  side  of  the  head  at  arm's  length. — Observed  by  Dr.  W. 
J.  Hoffman,  as  made  in  Northern  Arizona  in  1871  by  the  Mojave  and 
Seviches.     "  No  arms" — corresponding  with  "hands  up"  of  road-agents. 

The  right  hand  held  aloft,  empty.    {My  Life  on  the  Plains,  by  General 
G.  A.  Custer,  p.  2;}8,  New  York,  1874.) 
41 


/ 


|1 


322 

Question.     (I  do  not  know  you.    Who  are  you?) 

After  halting  a  party  coining  :  Eight  hand  raised,  palm  in  front  and 
slowly  moved  to  the  right  and  left.  [Answered  by  tribal  sign]  (Marcy's 
Prairie  Traveler,  loc.  cit.,  214.) 

To  incpiire  if  coming  party  is  peaceful. 


Kaise  both  hands,  grasped  in  the  manner  of  shaking  hands,  or  by  lock- 
ing the  two  forefingers  firmly  while  the  hands  are  held  up.  If  friendly 
they  will  respond  with  the  san>e  signal.  (Marcy's  iVajVie  Traveler,  loc. 
cit,  214.) 

Whence  come  you  ? 


First  the  sign  for  You,  then  the  hand  extended  open  and  drawn  to 
the  breast,  and  lastly  the  sign  for  Brin^^^ing'.     (Dunbar.) 

l^ubiniMHioii. 

The  United  Stat     .>'^\i>if>r  Saranac  in  1874,  cruising  in  Alaska  waters, 
dropped  anchor  Iti  d«'  '4,  in  Freshwater  Harbor,  back  of  Sitka,  in 

latitude  59°  north.  A;,  .med  party  landed  at  a  T'linkit  village  de- 
serted by  all  the  inhabitants  except  one  old  man  and  two  women,  the 
latter  seated  at  the  feet  of  the  former.  The  man  was  in  great  fear, 
turned  his  back  and  held  uj)  his  hands  as  a  sign  of  utter  helplessness. 
(Extract  from  notes  kindly  furnished  by  Lieutenant-Commander  Wm. 
Bainbridge  Ilott',  U.  S.  N.,  who  was  senior  aid  to  Kear- Admiral  Pennock, 
on  the  cruise  mentioned.) 

Surreutler. 

The  palm  of  the  hand  is  held  toward  the  person  [to  whom  the  surren- 
der is  made].    [Long.) 

SIGNALS  IN  WHICH  OBJECTS  ARE  USED  IN  CON- 
NECTION WITH  PERSONAL  ACTION. 

Biifihlo  ilisfovered.    See  also  notes  on  Cheyenne  and  Arapaho 

signs. 
When  the  I'onkas  or  Omahas  discover  buffalo  the  watcher  stands 
erect  on  the  hill,  witli  his  face  toward  the  camp,  holding  his  blanket 
with  an  end  in  each  hand,  his  arms  being  stretched  out  (right  and  left) 
on  a  line  wJth  shoulders.     [Omaha  I ;  Poiika  I.) 

€oine !  To  beckon  to  a  pers^ton.  ' 

Hold  out  the  lower  edge  of  the  robe  or  blanket,  then  wave  it  in  to  the 
legs.  This  is  made  when  there  is  a  desire  to  avoid  general  observation. 
(Matthews.) 


vh  . 


I; 


323 

Come  back! 

(rather  or  f>rasp  the  left  side  of  the  unbuttoned  coat  (or  bhmket)  with 
the  rif?ht  hand,  and,  eitlier  standins  or  .sitting  in  position  so  that  the 
aignal  can  be  seen,  wave  it  to  the  left  and  rij,'ht  as  often  as  may  be 
necessary  for  the  sign  to  be  recognized.  Wlien  made  standing  the  per- 
son should  not  move  his  body.     {Dakota  I.) 

Dailg'er.     See  also  notes  on  Chej-enne  and  Arapaho  signals. 

Horseman  at  a  distance,  gallo|»ing,  passing  and  repassing,  and  cross- 
ing each  other — oiiemy  comes.  But  for  notice  of  herd  of  bulfak),  they 
gallop  back  and  forward  abreast — do  not  cross  each  othtu-.  (  Views  of 
Louisiana,  by  H.  M.  Brackenridge,  p.  250,  Pittsburgli,  1814.) 

Riding  rapidly  round  in  a  circle.  "  Danger!  Get  together  as  (piickly 
as  possible."  {The  Plains  of  the  (ii-eat  West^  &c.,  by  Richard  Irving 
Dodge,  lieutenant-colonel  United  States  Army,  p.  11(58,  New  York, 
1877.) 

Di!<iCO¥ei*y  of  enemies,  or  of  otiiei*  {u^^aine  than  biifFalo. 

See  also  notes  on  Cheyenne  and  Arapaho  signals. 
When  enemies  are  discovered,  or  otlier  game  than  biitfalo,  the  senti- 
nel waves  his  blanket  over  his  head  up  and  down,  holding  an  end  in 
each  hand.     {Omaha  I ',  Ponka  I.) 

Drill,  Pnilitary. 

It  is  done  by  signals,  devised  after  a  system  of  the  Indian's  own  in- 
vention, and  communicated  in  various  ways. 

Wonderful  as  the  statement  may  appear,  the  signaling  on  a  bright 
day,  when  the  sun  is  in  the  proper  direction,  is  done  with  a  piece  of 
looking-glass  held  in  the  hollow  of  the  hand.  'J'he  reflection  of  tlie  sun's 
rays  thrown  on  the  ranks  communicates  in  some  mysterious  way  the 
wishes  of  the  chief.  Once  standing  on  a  little  knoll,  overlooking  the 
valley  of  the  South  Platte,  I  witnessed  almost  at  my  feet  a  drill  of 
about  one  Innidred  warriors  by  a  Sioux  chief,  who  sat  on  his  horse  on  a 
knoll  opposite  me,  and  about  two  hundred  yards  from  his  command  in 
the  plain  below.  For  more  than  half  an  hour  he  commanded  a  drill, 
which  for  variety  and  i)romptness  of  action  could  not  be  e<iualed  by 
any  civilized  cavalry  of  the  world.  All  I  could  see  was  an  occasional 
movement  of  the  right  arm.  He  himself  afterwards  told  me  that  he 
used  a  looking-glass.  {The  Plains  of  the  Great  West,  &c.,  by  Richard 
Irving  Dodge,  lieutenant-colonel  United  States  Army,  pp.  307^  308. 
New  York,  1877.) 

Halt!  §taiid  there!  He  in  coiiiin;|i^  that  nay. 

Grasp  the  eiul  of  the  blanket  or  robe;  wave  it  downward  several 
times.     {Omaha  I.) 


li 


i 


324 

Peace,  coupled  with  invitation. 

Motion  of  spieadiiifj  a  real  or  imajtinary  robe  or  skin  on  tlie  fjronnd 
Noticed  by  Lewis  and  Clark  on  their  first  meetin}?  with  the  Sho.shoni  in 
1805.     {LewiH  and  ClarWii  Tmveltt,  (S:i'.,  London,  1817,  vol.  ii,  p.  74.) 

(Question. 

Tiic  ordinary  manner  of  openinfjf  coniniunication  with  i)arties  known 
or  snpposed  to  be  hostile  is  to  ride  toward  theni  in  zif^za};  manner,  or  to 
ride  in  a  circle.  {My  FAfv  on  the  I'Utim,  &c.,  by  Gen.  (1.  A.  Cnster,  U. 
S.  A.,  p.  58.    New  York,  1874.) 

This  anthor  mentions  (p.  202)  a  systematic  manner  of  waving'  a  blanket, 
by  which  the  son  of  Satana,  the  Kaiowa  chief,  conveyed  information  to 
liim,  and  a  similar  performance  by  Yello"  IJear,  a  chief  of  tlie  Arapahos 
(p.  210),  neither  of  which  he  explaJiis  in  detail. 

Nalety.    All  quiet.     See  notes  on  Cheyenne  and  Arapaho  signals. 

SIGNALS    MADK    WHEN    THE    1*EHS()X    OF    THE 
SIGNALIST  IS  X(yr  VISIBLE. 


m 


•) 


Those  noted  consist  of  Nnioke,  Fire,  or  Du^t  signals. 

SMOKE   SIGNALS  (tENEUALLY. 

"Their  systems  of  telegraphs  are  very  pecnliai',  and  thongh  they 
might  seem  impractiiiablc  at  first,  yet  so  tiioronghly  are  they  understood 
by  tlie  savages  that  it  is  availed  of  frecinently  to  immense  advantage. 
The  most  remarkable  is  by  raising  smokes,  by  which  many  important 
facts  are  commnnicated  to  a  considerable  distance  and  made  intelligi- 
ble by  the  manner,  size,  nnmber,  or  repetition  of  the  smokes,  wiiich  are 
commonly  raised  by  firi.  g  spots  of  dry  grass.  When  traveling,  they 
will  also  i)ile  heaps  of  stones  npon  monnds  or  conspicuons  points,  so  ar- 
ranged as  to  be  understood  by  thvAr  passing  comrades ;  and  sometimes 
they  set  up  the  bleached  buttalo  heads,  which  are  every \viiere  scattered 
over  those  plains,  to  indicate  the  direction  of  their  march,  and  many 
other  facts  which  maj'  be  communicated  by  those  simple  signs."  {(loin- 
merce  of  the  Prairies,  by  Josiah  Gregg,  vol.  ii,  p.  280.    New  York,  1844.) 

The  highest  elevations  of  laud  are  selected  as  stations  from  which 
signals  with  smoke  are  made.  These  can  be  seen  at  a  distance  of  from 
twenty  to  fifty  miles.  By  varying  the  number  of  columns  of  smoke  dif- 
ferent meanings  are  conveyed.  The  most  simple  as  well  as  the  most 
varied  mode,  and  resembling  the  telegraphic  alphabet,  is  arranged  by 
building  a  small  fire,  which  is  not  allov.ed  to  blaze  ;  then  by  placing  an 
armful  of  partially  green  grass  or  weeds  over  the  fire,  as  if  to  smother 
it,  a  dense  white  smoke  is  created,  which  ordinarily  will  ascend  in  a  con- 
tinuous vertical  column  for  hundreds  of  feet.    Having  established  a  cur- 


P' 

1;:* 


325 

rent  of  smoke,  tlie  rndiaii  .simply  tukcs  liis  l)laiik<'t  mid  by  spicadinj,'  it 
over  the  small  pile  of  weeds  or  {jrass  from  wliidi  tlie  smoke  takes  its 
source,  and  pro[)erly  eontrolliii}^  the  edj^es  aiid.coriiers  of  the  blanket, 
he  confines  the  smoke  and  is  in  tiiis  way  able  to  retain  it  for  several 
moments.  By  rapidly  displaciuji'  the  blanket,  tin;  operator  is  enabled 
to  cause  a  dense  volume  of  smoke  to  rise,  the.  ieiijith  or  shortness  of 
which,  as  well  as  the  number  and  frecpiency  of  tiie  columns,  he  can  reg- 
ulate jierfectly,  simply  by  a  proper  use  of  the  blanket.  (Vunter's  Life  on 
the  Phiiiis,  loe.  cit.,  ji.  187.) 

They  gathered  an  armful  of  dried  jj^rass  and  weeds,  which  \\  .-re  placed 
and  carried  upon  the  lii<;liest  jHiiiit  of  the  peak,  where,  everything  beiiif;' 
ill  readiness,  the  match  was  aiiplied  clo.se  to  the  ground ;  but  the  blaze  was 
no  sooner  well  lighted  and  about  to  enveloj)  the  entire  ainount  of  grass 
coIle(!ted  than  it  was  smothered  with  the  uiilighted  jiortion.  A  .slender 
colninn  of  gray  smoke  then  began  to  ascend  in  a  iierpendicular  (lolumii. 
This  was  not  enough,  as  it  migiit  be  taken  for  the  smoke  rising  from  a 
simple  cami)  lire.  Tiie  smoldering  gra.ss  was  tiien  covered  with  a  blanket, 
the  corners  of  which  were  held  so  closely  to  the  ground  as  to  almost 
completely  confine  and  cut  otf  the  column  of  smoke.  Waiting  a  few  mo- 
ments, until  the  smoke  was  beginning  toescape  from  beneath,  tiie  blanket 
was  suddenly  thrown  aside,  when  a  beautiful  balloon-shaped  (column 
pulfed  upward  like  the  white  cloud  of  smoke  which  attends  the  discharge 
of  a  lield-piece.  xVgaiii  casting  the  blanket  on  the  pile  of  grass,  the 
column  was  interrupted  as  before,  and  again  in  due  time  relea.sed,  so  that 
a  succes.sion  of  elongated,  egg-shaped  luiifs  of  smoke  ke])t  a.scending 
toward  the  sky  in  the  most  regular  maniu'r.  This  bead-liki;  column  of 
smoke,  considering  the  height  from  which  it  began  to  ascend,  was  vi.si- 
ble  from  points  on  the  level  plain  fifty  miles  distant.     (lb.,  p.  217.) 

SMOKK   SIUNALS   OF   TIIE   APArilES. 


The  following  information  was  obtained  l)y  Dr.  W.  J.  IloprMAN, 
from  the  Ai)ache  chiefs  named  on  page  l."»,  under  the  title  of  Tinnean, 
AjHtvhe  I : 

The  materials  used  in  making  smoke  of  suflicieiit  density  aud  color 
consist  of  pine  or  cedar  boughs,  leaves  and  grass,  which  can  nearly 
always  be  obtained  in  the  regions  occupied  by  the  Apaches  of  Xortherii 
New  Mexico.  These  Indians  state  that  they  employ  but  three  kinds  of 
signals,  each  of  which  consists  of  columns  of  smoke,  numbering  from  one 
to  three  or  more. 

Alarm. 

This  sigiuil  is  made  by  causing  three  or  more  columns  of  smoke  to 
ascend,  aud  signifies  danger  or  the  approach  of  an  enemy,  and  also 
requires  the  concentration  of  those  who  see  them.  The.se  signals  are 
communicated  from  one  camp  to  another,  aiul  the  most  distant  bands 
are  guided  by  their  location.    The  greater  the  haste  desired  the  greater 


.1^ 


826 

the  nuinber  of  columns  of  smoke.  Tliese  iirc  often  so  hastily  made  that 
tliey  may  reseinhie  pufVs  of  smoke,  and  are  caused  bj'  ihrowiuf;  Iieat)s 
of  jjrass  and  leaves  uiH)n  tlie  eniheis  ajiain  and  aj;ain. 

Attention. 

This  sifjnal  is  ;>enerally  made  by  i)rodin'inj;'  «»ne  eoiitiniious  ••olumii, 
and  sijfuilies  attention  for  several  pui'jxisiis,  viz,  when  a  l),ind  liad  beeonu; 
tired  of  one  l(tcality,ortiu' firass  nniy  have  l)een  e(»nsunu'd  bytiie  ponies, 
or  some  other  cause  necessitating'  removal ;  or  should  an  enemy  bo 
reported,  wiiidi  woidd  require  further  watehiufi  before  a  decision  as  to 
futtire  action  wouhl  be  matle,  the  intention  or  knitwledj;*'  of  anythiu}^ 
unusual  would  be  comnumicated  to  neij;lib()rin};'  bands  by  cansin;;-  one 
column  of  siiioke  to  ascend. 

l<>1al»liMliiii('nt  ot'a  <*:iiii|»;  4|iii('t;  NafVty. 

"Wiicn  a  renioval  of  canij*  has  been  made,  after  the  si j;nal  for  Atten- 
tion lias  been  jjiven,  and  tlu'  party  have  selected  a  place  where  they 
propose  to  remain  until  there  nr.iy  be  a  lu'cessity  or  desire  lor  their  re- 
UHtval.  two  columns  of  smoke  are  made,  to  inform  (heir  friends  that 
they  ])roi»ose  to  remain  at  that  place.  Two  columns  are  also  marie  at 
other  tinu's  duriu;;'  a  lony-eonlinued  residence,  to  iiifoi'm  the  nci^^hltor- 
in<;  bands  that  a  camp  still  exists,  and  tiiat  all  is  favorable  and  (piiet. 


i^ 


FOIlKKfN'   s:\I()KK   SKINAI.S. 

The  followiiij;e\ami»les()f  smoke  sijiiials  in  fort^ij^n  lands  are  adrled  for 
comparis(Hi. 

]Miss  JIaij;h,  speakin;>'  of  the  (iiianclien  of  the  Canary  Islands  at  the 
tinu' of  the  Sjtanish  eonriuest,  says:  "When  an  enemy  approached, 
they  alarmed  the  country  by  raisinj;-  a  thick  smoke  or  by  whistlin;;, 
which  wa{»  repeated  from  one  to  another.  This  latter  method  is  still  in 
use  amon^i-  the  people  of  Teneritfe,  and  may  be  heard  at  an  almost  in- 
credible distance."  [Tmns.  Eth.  Soc.  Loiiil.  vii,  ISCil,  s<'c.  ser.,  i»i».  109, 
11(1.) 

"The  natives  have  an  easy  nu'tliod  of  tele^rapliinjj;  news  to  their  dis- 
tant friends.  When  8ir  Thomas  .Mitchell  was  travelinji  tlirou};h  Eastern 
Australia  he  often  saw  columns  of  smoke  a.scendinj;'  throut;h  the  trees 
in  the  forests,  and  lu^  soon  learned  that  the  luitives  used  the  smoke  of 
tires  for  the  jHupose  of  makinj;'  known  his  nu)vements  to  their  friends. 
Near  Mount  Frazer  he  observed  a  dense  column  of  smoke,  anil  subse- 
quently other  smokes  arose,  extendinj;-  in  a  telef^raphic  line  lar  to  the 
south,  alonj;  the  base  of  the  mountains,  and  thus  communicatiiif;' to  the 
natives  who  might  be  u]»on  his  route  homeward  the  tidings  of  his 
return. 

"  When  Sir  Thomas  reached  INn-tland  Bay  he  noticed  that  when  a  whale 
appeared  in  the  bay  the  natives  were  accustomed  to  send  uit  a  column 


a  2  7 

of  smokf,  tints  nivitin-  timely  intiiiiiitinii  to  all  tlit^  whiilors.  If  tlic  wliiile 
should  l)t'  pursued  by  ouo  bout's  crew  oidy,  it  ini};ht  be,  takeu  ;  but  if 
pursued  by  several,  it  would  probably  be  ruu  ashore  aud  become  food 
for  the  biiicks."  {I'Jasteni  AiistraUi(,hy  Mn^.T.  L.  Mitchell,  K.  (r.  S., 
v<d.  ii,  p.  2H.) 

Jardine,  writiuj-'  of  the  uatives  of  Cape  York,  says  that  a  coiuiuunica- 
tiou  between  the  islanders  xnd  the  natives  of  the  maiidand  is  freciuent; 
and  the  rapid  manner  in  which  news  is  carried  from  tribe  to  tribe,  to 
great  distances,  is  astonishiiif--.  •  was  informed  of  the  approac-h  of  Her 
Majesty's  Steamer  Salamander,  on  her  last  visit,  two  days  before  her 
arrival  here.  Intellifience  is  conveyed  by  nutans  of  lires  nuide  to  throw 
ui»  smoke  in  dilferent  forms,  and  by  nu^sseiif-crs  who  perform  lonj--  and 
rapid  jc.urneys."  ((,)noted  by  Siniith,  he.  cit.,  vol.  1,  p.  lo.'?,  from  Over- 
laud  E.vpeditiou,  p.  .S">.) 

Messengers  in  all  jyarts  of  Australia  appear  to  have  used  this  mode  of 
sijiualinj;'.  In  Victoria,  when  travelinj;'  through  i!ie  forests,  they  were 
accustomed  to  raise  smoke  by  iillinj?  the  hollow  of  ;'  tree  with  f-reeu 
bou{>hs  and  setting'  tire  to  tlu'  trunk  at  its  base;  and  in  this  way,  as  they 
always  selected  an  elevated  position  for  the  tire  when  they  could,  their 
in.»vements  were  made  known. 

When  enj;aj;ed  in  hunting,  when  traveling  on  secret  exi)editions, 
when  ai)i>roaching  an  encampment,  when  threatened  with  danger,  or 
when  foes  menaced  their  friends,  the  imtives  made  signals  by  raising  a 
smoke,  and  their  tires  were  lighted  in  such  a  way  as  to  give  forth 
signals  that  would  be  understood  by  people  of  their  ow  cribe  and  by 
frieiully  tril)es.  They  exhibited  great  ability  in  maiuiging  their  system 
of  telegraphy ;  and  in  former  times  it  was  not  seldom  used  to  the  injury 
of  the  white  settlers,  who  at  first  had  no  idea  that  the  thin  column  of 
smoke  rising  through  the  foliage  of  the  adjacent  bush,  and  perhaps 
raised  l)y  some  feeble  old  woman,  was  an  intiniation  to  the  warriors  to 
advance  and  attack  the  Europeans.  (The  Aboyu/incn  of  Victoria,  vol 
i,  by  K.  r.rough  Smyth,  F.  h.  S.,  F.  (1.  S.,  Assoc.  Inst.  C.  E.,  etc.,  i-o. 
152",  153.) 

"Travelers  ou  the  prairie  have  often  seen  tiie  Indians  throwing  up 
signal  lights  at  night,  and  have  wondered  how  it  was  done.  *  *  * 
They  take  oft'  the  head  of  the  arrow  and  dip  the  shaft  in  gunpowder, 
mixed  with  glue.  *  *  *  The  gunpowder  adheres  to  the  wood,  and 
coats  it  three  or  four  inches  from  its  end  to  the  depth  of  one-fourth  of 
an  inch.  Chewed  bark  mixed  with  dry  gunpowder  is  then  fastened  to 
the  stick,  and  the  arrow  is  ready  for  use.  When  it  is  to  be  tired,  a 
warrior  places  it  on  his  bcvvstring  and  draws  his  bow  ready  to  let  it 
fly:  the  point  of  the  arrow  is  then  lowered,  another  warrior  lights  the 
dry  bark,  and  it  is  shot  high  in  the  air.  When  it  has  gone  up  a  little 
distance,  it  bursts  out  into  a  flame,  and  burns  brightly  until  it  falls  to 


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f 

If 


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328 

tho  f^rouixl.  Various  mt>iviiiiij,'s  arc  attatrluMl  to  tlicse  (Irc-arrow  si),'iialM. 
ThiiH,  ()iu>,  arrow  iiiwiiit,  aiiioii;f  tlic  Santct^s,  'Tlio  ciieiny  are  about'; 
two  arrows  from  tliu  8aiiu>  point,  'hanger';  tluvc,  '(Ircat  danger'; 
many,  'Tlicy  '>\\v  too  stroii;-',  or  we  an^  fallin};  bacik';  two  arrows  sent 
up  at  till'  same  m-diuMit,  '  Wt'  will  atta(!k';  three,  'Soon';  lour,  '  Now'; 
if  shot  diagonally,  '  In  that  direction.'  These  si;tnals  are  cttnstantly 
chanjied,  and  ar»^  always  aj^reed  upon  when  tliei»arty  ^joes  out  or  before 
it  sejiarales.  The  Indians  send  their  si;;iials  very  intelliy:eutly,  and 
seldom  maUe mistakes  in  tele;jrapliin;;each  i>ther  by  these  sih'ut  monitors. 
The  auKKUit  of  information  they  <;an  eommunieate  by  Hres  and  burtun^ 
arrows  is  i»erfectly  wonderfid.  Hvery  war  party  carries  with  it  bundles 
of  si^^nal  arrows."  {lichlen,  The  White  Chief;  <ir  Tireire  Yetirx  (inioiif/  the 
Wil)l  fnditiiis  of  the  I'loiiis,  ])p.  1(H!,  1(»7.  Ciiieinnati  and  New  York,  1.S71.) 
With  rej-ard  to  the  ab  ive,  it  is  possible  that  white  iuHuence  has  been 
felt  in  the  mode  of  sijjn.dinj;'  as  well  as  in  the  use  of  fjiinpowder,  but 
it  would  be  interestiuf;  to  h  arii  if  any  Indians  adopted  a  similar  expedi- 
ent before  f>uni)owder  was  ki.own  to  them. 

nrsT   SKiNALS. 

When  any  ;;anie  or  an  enemy  is  discovi'red,  and  shoidd  the  sentinel 
be  without  a  blanket,  he  throws  a  handful  of  dust  up  iut(»  the  air.  When 
the  Hrules  attacked  the  Ponkas,  in  1.S7-,  they  stood  on  the  bluff  and 
threw  ujt  dust.     {Omaha  I  ;   r<nihi  I.) 

There  ap[)ears  to  be  amonj;'  the  Hushmen  a  custom  of  throwiu},'  up 
sand  or  earth  into  the  air  when  at  a  distance  from  home  and  in  lU'cd  of 
help  of  some  kind  from  those  who  were  there.  (Miss  L.  C.  Lloyd,  MS. 
Letter,  dated  July  10,  bsSO,  from  Charlton  House,  Mowbray,  near  Cape 
Town,  Africa.) 

NOTES   ON   CIIPiVENNE   AND   AUAI'AIIO   SIGNALS. 

The  followiuji'  information  was  obtained  from  WA-u"  {liobtail),  Mo- 
Hf-Ni'ic-MA-iiA-iT  {Bi(/  Ilorne),  Cheyennes,  and  O-ciio-iiis-A  {The  Mare, 
better  known  as  "Little  liaven"),andNA-rATSii  {Left  Hand),  Arninxhon, 
chiefs  and  members  of  a  delejiation  who  visited  Washinfjton,  I).  C,  in 
Sei)tend)er,  1880,  in  the  intt'restof  their  tribes  located  in  Indian  Territ'i/: 

A  party  of  Indians  {joiny  on  the  war-path  leave  camp,  announcing 
their  project  to  the  remaininy  individuals  and  informing  neighboring 
friends  by  sending  runners.  A  party  is  only  systematically  organized 
when  several  days  away  from  their  headcjuarters,  unless  circumstances 
should  require  immediate  action.  The  pipe-bearers  are  appointed,  who 
precede  the  party  while  on  the  march,  carrying  the  pipes,  md  no  one  is 
allowed  to  cross  ahead  of  these  individuals,  or  to  join  the  pa  rty  V)y  riding 
up  before  the  head  of  the  column,  as  it  would  endanger  t\\?  success  of 
the  expedition.  All  new  arrivals  fall  in  from  either  side  or  the  rear. 
Upon  com'ng  in  sight  of  any  elevations  of  land  likely  to  aft'ord  a  good 
view  of  the  surrounding  country  the  party  come  to  a  halt  and  secrete 


829 


tlu'insclvcs  rs  miicli  as  possible.  The  M<'<»iits,  wlio  linve  already  been 
selected,  advance  just  before  daybreak  t(t  witliin  a  moderate  distance  of 
tlie  (ilevation  to  ascertain  if  any  of  the  enemy  have  preceded  them.  This 
is  only  dis(!overed  by  carefnlly  watching  the  summit  to  see  if  any  ol)j»H!ts 
are  in  motion;  if  not,  the  tliji'lit  of  birds  isobserve<l,  and  if  any  should 
alight  upon  tiie  hill  or  butte  it  would  indicate  tiie  absence  of  anything 
that  might  ordimuily  scrare  them  away,  t^hoidd  a  large  bird,  as  a  raven, 
crow,  or  eagle,  fly  toward  the  hilltop  ami  make  a  sudden  swerve  to 
either  side  and  disai»i»ear,  it  would  indicate  the  presc^nce  of  something 
sullicient  to  retjuire  further  examination.  When  it  is  learned  that  there 
is  reason  to  sjjspect  an  enemy,  the  scout,  who  has  all  the  time  been 
closely  watched  by  the  party  in  the  rear,  makes  a  signal  for  tlnun  to  lie 
still,  signifying  Dailjj;:er  or  Caul  ion.  it  is  made  by  grasping  the 
blanket  with  the  right  hand  and  waving  it  earthward  from  a  position 
in  front  of  and  as  high  as  the  shoulder.  This  is  neaily  the  sauu>,  as  we 
use  the  hand  for  a  similar  i)urpose  in  battle  or  hunting  to  direct  "lie 
quiet !" 

Slnmld  the  hill,  however,  be  clear  of  any  one  the  Indian  will  ascend 
slowly,  and  under  cover  as  nuu'h  as  possible,  and  gain  a  view  of  the 
country.  If  there  is  no  one  to  be  seen,  the  blanket  is  grasped  and  waved 
horizontally  from  right  to  left  and  back  again  rejteatedly,  showing  a 
clear  surface.  If  the  enemy  is  discovered,  the  scout  will  give  the 
Alarm  by  running  down  the  hill  upfui  a  side  visible  to  the  watchers, 
in  a  zigzag  manner  which  communicates  the  state  of  affairs, 

Should  any  expedition  or  advance  be  attempted  at  night,  the  same 
signals  as  are  made  with  the  blanitet  are  made  with  a  firebrand,  which 
is  constructed  of  a  bunch  of  grass  tied  to  a  short  ])ole. 

When  a  war  party  encain})  for  a  night  or  a  day  or  more  a  pie(!e  of 
wood  is  stuck  into  the  ground,  pointing  in  the  direction  pursued,  with 
a  number  of  cuts,  notches,  or  nuirks  (iorresponding  to  the  inind)er  of 
days  which  the  party  spent  after  leaving  the  last  camj)  until  leaving  the 
present  camp,  serving  to  show  to  the  recruits  to  the  main  party,  the 
course  to  be  followed,  and  the  distance. 

A  hunting  party  take  the  same  precautions  in  advancing  as  a  war 
party,  so  as  not  to  be  surprised  by  an  enemy.  If  a  scout  ascends  a 
prominent  elevation  and  discovers  no  game,  the  blanket  is  grasi)ed  and 
waved  horizontally  from  side  to  side  at  the  height  of  the  shoidders  or 
head;  and  if  game  is  discovered  the  Indian  rides  back  and  forth  (from 
left  to  right)  a  short  distance  so  that  the  distant  observers  vnn  view  the 
maneuver.  If  a  large  herd  of  buffalo  is  found,  the  extent  traveled  over 
iu  going  to  and  fro  increases  in  i»roportion  to  the  size  of  the  herd.  A 
quicker  gait  is  traveled  when  the  herd  is  very  large  or  haste  on  the  part 
of  the  hunters  is  desired. 

It  is  stated  that  these  Indians  also  use  mirrors  to  signal  from  one 
elevation  to  another,  but  the  system  could  not  be  learned,  as  they  say 
they  have  no  longer  use  for  it,  having  ceased  warfare  (?). 
42 


